Visit to Jerusalem<\/p>\n
From Pikiran Rakyat<\/p>\n
Some Indonesian pilgrims were lucky enough to have been able
\nto visit Masjidil Aqsha in Jerusalem. As a sacred place for
\nMoslems, besides Masjidil Haram and Nawabi, Masjidil Aqsha is
\nworth visiting as long as conditions permit. It is true that to
\nvisit it is not as simple as Umroh pilgrimage. But it is not too
\ndifficult, either. Potential pilgrims are apparently discouraged
\nby the confusing reports on the situation.<\/p>\n
Unconfirmed reports say that: (1) The journey to Jerusalem
\nthrough Jordan can be made only at the risk of being fired upon.
\nAlong the way one can see well-armed defense forces. Terrifying!
\n(2) After crossing the Israel-Jordan border, every pilgrim must
\npay an additional US$ 500 to 600. (3) To degrade the pilgrims the
\nIsraeli government provides prostitutes. (4) Economically, the
\npilgrimage to Jerusalem will only benefit Israel. (5) Some have
\nsuggested the Indonesian Department of Religious Affairs forbid
\npilgrims to visit Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
In this context I would like to tell the public that in the
\nmiddle of November 1994, I and a group of pilgrims from the
\nBaiturrahman Foundation in Bandung, West Java, visited Jerusalem
\nvia Jordan. On the whole the situation was peaceful and calm. No
\nsound of bullets, no war. Armed soldiers in barracks are there to
\nmaintain security, just like in Indonesia. It is not true that we
\nhad to wait for permission to go there under the authority of
\nthe Jordan\/Palestine government. The Department of Religious
\nAffairs knows exactly what happens and need not prohibit
\npilgrimage to Jerusalem. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem has a noble
\nvalue and should be done with good intentions. Also it is only
\nfair that the travel bureau makes a small profit from this
\nprogram. Who conducts business for nothing?<\/p>\n
But there is one thing that we were concern about. The
\ncondition of the Masjidil Aqsha is saddening. This is
\nunderstandable because it is difficult for Islamic countries to
\nhelp maintain the grand mosque as long as it is under the
\njurisdiction of the Israeli government.<\/p>\n
H.W. ALEX SETIABOEDI<\/p>\n
Bandung, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/visit-to-jerusalem-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }