Jerusalem's different holy sites, explained

TomoNews US 2017-12-13

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JERUSALEM — President Trump has announced that the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a controversial move that may spark turmoil in the area.

Jews and Arabs have fought over the city for years, both claiming it as their capital. But what's the big deal with Jerusalem, anyway?

According to the Washington Post, the city of Jerusalem is sacred to the world's three major religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Jews flock to Old City to worship at the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of an ancient Jewish Temple.

Islam's third holiest site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, are both in Jerusalem. It's also where the prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven.

For Christians, the most sacred site is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — believed to be where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.

The holy sites are governed by different bodies, with only the Western Wall directly controlled by the Israeli government A Muslim religious organization is in charge of the Islamic sites, while different Christian groups manage the Church.

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