JERUSALEM UNDERGROUND

On Monday, the Associated Press carried a feature article detailing what is happening underground in Jerusalem. There are now literally miles of underground excavations that are fast becoming one of the most favorite draws for tourists visiting the city. The most important aspect of these diggings is not one of tourism but political dissension. Ever since Israel became a nation in 1948, the Palestinians have tried to convince themselves as well as the world that the Jews never occupied Jerusalem. The argument is almost as absurd as saying there are no fish in the sea. Jerusalem was a Jewish city many hundreds of years before the prophet Mohammed was born.

Every turn of the archeologist's spade under what has been forever called the Holy City discloses further evidence that indeed the Jewish people have been there for thousands of years. It was my privilege to walk in the Western Wall tunnel in 1983, when its excavation was not complete and long before it was opened to the public. What a thrill to follow the wall of the Temple Mount as it heads north to the Antonio Fortress. To see the gigantic rocks that support the platform high above and wonder at how those huge building blocks were worked and put in place so tightly with no concrete or other binder is an awesome experience. I have been back twice since that first visit and always sense that I am indeed standing on holy ground.

It is unfortunate that those leading the Palestinian people cannot speak the truth. Yes, there was a Jewish presence in Israel for thousands of years. Yes, there is an authentic Jewish nation today. Yes, the Jewish people have a right to exist in the land that was promised by God to be theirs forever. If anyone hopes for a peace in the Middle East there is going to need to be a rediscovery not only of ancient stones, but also a rediscovery of ancient truth. We don't see that in the current malaise.