However, if any of the children is declared illegitimate, then the conflict acquires a dangerous dimension. Over the years, I have been passionately following and enjoying the various narratives, accounts, and histories of various groups, sub-groups, and characters composing the city, past and present. I came to the conclusion that the essence of this conflict is making a choice between the monolith and pluralism as well as exclusion or inclusion. Archaeologists estimate that there are some 27 archaeological layers in our land. While some of us will have more interest, identification and fascination with a certain layer, it should be clear that all layers belong to the land.
None is illegitimate.
I never doubted Jewish and Israeli identification with Jerusalem. However, the systematic attempts to marginalize, hoping to eliminate all the diversity that makes Jerusalem is not only bound to fail, but it will also be painful, counterproductive and against the spirit of respect for the other which is more needed than ever if a sensible, reasonable future is sought. Albert Aghazarian is Director of Public Relations and lecturer of Middle East History at Bir Zeit University.