Mission Statement

1. The purpose of the Holy Sites Project is to make a positive contribution toward the establishment of a lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis and to promote a better understanding and spirit of cooperation between Jews, Christians, and Muslims throughout the region and the world.

2. Developing a special regime for the holy sites in Jerusalem and its environs would remove a contentious issue, with both religious and nationalistic connotations, from the political final status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis and facilitate peace.

3. The holy sites are sacred to one or more of the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and are part of the “common heritage of humankind.” Their actual and symbolic significance transcends the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and reverberates throughout the world. Whatever the political future of the city of Jerusalem, these holy sites and their living communities must be protected, and the sites maintained and made accessible to all in a manner acceptable to the local and international communities. The need to accomplish the protection and continued preservation of the holy sites and to ensure their accessibility to all cannot be at issue. The future of the holy sites is of concern not only to specific faith communities; it is of universal and timeless interest.

4. The project will lay the foundation for a solution of the issue of the holy sites sensitive to the needs of people of faith and the broader culture of humankind, while respecting the sovereign rights and interests of the parties concerned.[…]