The Controversial History and Current Status of Jerusalem under UN Plans

Jerusalem is one of the world's most debated and historic cities, its administration and control having been a subject of intense political strife for decades. After the 1947 United Nations (UN) partition plan, Jerusalem was divided between the Israelis and the Jordanians, each side stewarding different parts of the city, leading to significant cultural and physical transformations.

Division and Reconstruction under the 1947 UN Plan

In line with the UN partition plan, Jerusalem was allocated to a separate international regime to promote a fair and peaceful cohabitation. Israelis built up a new larger city while preserving all the old parts they acquired. The Jordanians, on the other hand, received the other half, including the Temple Mount, Old City, and Mount of Olives. However, Jordanians took a rather destructive approach, destroying Synagogues and using gravestones to pave roads.

Reassertion of Israeli Control in 1967

In 1967, when Jordanians joined the war initiated by Syria and Egypt, the Israelis seized the opportunity to take back the old city of Jerusalem. They promptly handed control of the Temple Mount and the mosques back to the Jordanians, opened access to all sites, and began rebuilding what had been destroyed. This period marked a significant event in the historical timeline of Jerusalem, reprising the city's status as a hotbed of religious, cultural, and political tensions.

UN's Role in Promoting Peace

While the international community, through the UN, has played a role in proposing solutions for the management of Jerusalem, the organization's actions and proclamations have often been seen as biased and colored by political agendas. The UN has been accused of antimissionalism and corruption, as evidenced by numerous reports and allegations.

UN's Bias and Corruption

The UN's role in the context of Jerusalem has been marked by a history of controversy. Observers point out that the organization's resolutions and actions often favor one side, Israel's critics, while neglecting the perspectives of other parties involved. For instance, the UN Human Rights Council has disproportionately condemned Israel more than the rest of the world combined, often pointing to the issue of the West Bank as the sole focus of its attention.

Criticism and Controversial Events

Various critics have pointed to several critical incidents where the UN failed to act impartially. For example, in 1967, the UN did not intervene when Jordan, Syria, and Egypt launched a genocidal assault on Israel. However, after Israel repelled the invaders and sent them back to reassess their positions, the UN held an emergency session to criticize and condemn Israel.

Corruption Allegations

Furthermore, the UN has been subjected to allegations of corruption, including the infamous U.N. Oil-for-Food scandal, one of the largest financial frauds in recent history. Revelations of these injustices led to Congressional Hearings and earned accolades through awards such as the Eric Breindel and Mightier Pen awards.

Recent and Ongoing Issues

More recently, the UN has faced scrutiny for its handling of emergency sessions, with Israel being condemned multiple times, while no such calls have been made against other nations. For example, the UN has convened 10 emergency sessions, eight of which were directed against Israel. This selective approach adds to the perception of bias and raises questions about the organization's commitment to impartiality.

The Future of Jerusalem

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the status and management of Jerusalem remain contentious issues. The role of the UN in promoting peace and stability in the region is crucial, but the organization's effectiveness and integrity must be constantly examined and debated. As Jerusalem remains a symbol of religious, cultural, and political significance, any decision about its administration will have far-reaching implications both in and beyond the region.