Why did Judaism Christianity and Islam choose Jerusalem as their holy city?

Answer 1

Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. They all believe it to be a Holy city. The idea of it being "chosen by the religions" would be seen as very offensive by the followers of those religions since it is their belief that God chose these places and sanctified them, not men.

Jews: The entire blueprint of the Holy Temple was made with Divine inspiration from the hand of God (1 Chronicles 28:19), including its location, which was in Jerusalem, in the very spot where Abraham had sacrificed the ram in Genesis ch.22 (Maimonides, in Hilchos Beis Habechirah).

Followers of Judaism believe that Jerusalem is the city of King David, regarded as Israel's greatest king, who founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history. It was the site of the Temple, the holiest place on Earth. It also served as the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of King David and King Solomon.

Christians: Followers of Christianity believe that Jesus Christ held the Last Supper, was tried before Pilate, crucified, and rose victorious from the dead in Jerusalem and its nearby hillsides.

Muslims: Followers of Islam believe that their prophet, Muhammad, traveled to Jerusalem, where he was taken up bodily into heaven. He ascended into heaven for one night in order to meet with previous prophets and attain the greatest amount of revelation. Islam also recognizes King David as an Islamic Prophet and his building of the city enhances its sacredness.

Answer 2

The Jews built their first temple in Jerusalem, but more recently, those of Islamic belief have laid claim to the same spot, saying that it is where Muhammad began his journey into the heavens and back to Makkah.

Answer 3

For Judaism, this link has the details:

http://judaism.answers.com/jewish-history/jerusalem-in-judaism