The view of Jerusalem is the history of the world; it is more; it is the history of heaven and earth.

BENJAMIN DISRAELI , Tancred

The city has been destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed and rebuilt again. Jerusalem is an old nymphomaniac who squeezes lover after lover to death, before shrugging him off her with a yawn, a black widow who devours her mates while they are still penetrating her.

AMOS OZ , A Tale of Love and Darkness

The Land of Israel is the centre of the world; Jerusalem is the centre of the Land; the Holy Temple is the centre of Jerusalem; the Holy of Holies is the centre of the Holy Temple; the Holy Ark is the centre of the Holy of Holies and the Foundation Stone from which the world was established is before the Holy Ark.

MIDRASH TANHUMA , Kedoshim 10

The sanctuary of the earth is Syria; the sanctuary of Syria is Palestine; the sanctuary of Palestine is Jerusalem; the sanctuary of Jerusalem is the Mount; the sanctuary of the Mount is the place of worship; the sanctuary of the place of worship is the Dome of the Rock.

THAUR IBN YAZID , Fadail

Jerusalem is the most illustrious of cities. Still Jerusalem has some disadvantages. Thus it is reported “Jerusalem is a golden goblet full of scorpions.”

MUQADDASI , Description of Syria, Including Palestine xVmH4qI1QlweC2LmWy1MxxXlZrryiGnzwyBjgdR87bAm7WD/lXsVeIZ8UFVR78J6