Arab Neighbors Quote by Larry Collins
““Arab-Jewish relations in the Old City had always been good. Most of the property in the quarter was Arab-owned, and one of its familiar sights was the Arab rent collector making his way from house to house, pausing in each for the rent and a ritual cup of coffee. Here the Islamic respect for men of religion had been naturally extended to the quarter's scholars in their yeshivas. As for the quarter's poor artisans and shopkeepers, the most natural of bonds, poverty, tied them to their Arab neighbors.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2011
Historical coexistence showed that shared poverty and mutual respect fostered peaceful Arab‑Jewish relations in the Old City.
In simple terms: Poverty and respect linked Arab‑Jewish neighbors.
Recognize common struggles to build community harmony.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- community development
- conflict mediation
- neighbourhood planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What shared challenges can unite divided groups today?
- How does mutual respect affect daily interactions?
Modern tensions may overlook these unifying factors.