in the fictitious reality of Shadowrun Israel had a very different history between 2000 and 2070. After Arafat died his successor accepted Israel and so, in a long process, the state of Palestine eventually became a reality (1/1/2065).
Both Israel and Palestine claimed Jerusalem as their capitol. As early as 2012 there started a prolonged series of Spirit attacks and Mana disturbances that forced the city's evacuation and quarantine. The problems only got worse with the Mana warp of 2045. Eventually the UN seized control of the city and it stayed evacuated.
Here's my quick rendition of a long abandoned and snowed over temple mount.
I find it interesting that in the game's history both sides, the Israelis and the Palestinians, made concessions that seem beyond their real counterparts to make. By forcing the abandonment of Jerusalem the game history also removed one of the biggest contention points.
In reality I doubt very much that the state of Israel could declare an evacuation and quarantine of the holy city, no matter how dire the circumstances.
Another interesting point that the game writers put in - the Palestinians sided with Israel in The Jihad - the war that the AFA (Alliance for Allah) declared on Europe in 2035. In that universe the Palestinians realized that they had more in common with Israel than with the AFA and they wanted the place they lived and worked in to flourish.
Usually the world of Shadowrun is a dark, oppressive place, but I think that in that small corner of the world they managed to write a little bit of hope.
I'll be happy to hear what you think of the world of Shadowrun or other interesting alternate realities.
Good night.
