Visit to Jerusalem

Visit to Jerusalem

From Pikiran Rakyat

Some Indonesian pilgrims were lucky enough to have been able
to visit Masjidil Aqsha in Jerusalem. As a sacred place for
Moslems, besides Masjidil Haram and Nawabi, Masjidil Aqsha is
worth visiting as long as conditions permit. It is true that to
visit it is not as simple as Umroh pilgrimage. But it is not too
difficult, either. Potential pilgrims are apparently discouraged
by the confusing reports on the situation.

Unconfirmed reports say that: (1) The journey to Jerusalem
through Jordan can be made only at the risk of being fired upon.
Along the way one can see well-armed defense forces. Terrifying!
(2) After crossing the Israel-Jordan border, every pilgrim must
pay an additional US$ 500 to 600. (3) To degrade the pilgrims the
Israeli government provides prostitutes. (4) Economically, the
pilgrimage to Jerusalem will only benefit Israel. (5) Some have
suggested the Indonesian Department of Religious Affairs forbid
pilgrims to visit Jerusalem.

In this context I would like to tell the public that in the
middle of November 1994, I and a group of pilgrims from the
Baiturrahman Foundation in Bandung, West Java, visited Jerusalem
via Jordan. On the whole the situation was peaceful and calm. No
sound of bullets, no war. Armed soldiers in barracks are there to
maintain security, just like in Indonesia. It is not true that we
had to wait for permission to go there under the authority of
the Jordan/Palestine government. The Department of Religious
Affairs knows exactly what happens and need not prohibit
pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem has a noble
value and should be done with good intentions. Also it is only
fair that the travel bureau makes a small profit from this
program. Who conducts business for nothing?

But there is one thing that we were concern about. The
condition of the Masjidil Aqsha is saddening. This is
understandable because it is difficult for Islamic countries to
help maintain the grand mosque as long as it is under the
jurisdiction of the Israeli government.

H.W. ALEX SETIABOEDI

Bandung, West Java