Jerusalem

Jerusalem is an ancient city and capital of the State of Israel, located in the center of the country. The Palestinian Authority also lays claim to Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.


Jerusalem is considered a holy city by major religions, chiefly Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem is a host to many religious sites, especially within the walls of the old city. The Temple Mount is remains of the Jewish temples, and the holiest site in Judaism. Jews often pray at the Western Wall, or Kotel, a retaining wall for the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great. On the temple mount now sit the al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques, the former being the 3rd holiest site in Islam. Several chirstian sites, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, are important to many sects of Christianity. 


As it is the political capital of Israel, Jerusalem is home to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. There are also ministries that have their headquarters in Jerusalem, such as the Foreign Ministry. The status of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is not recognized by all international actors. However, embassies of states such as the US reside in Jerusalem.


Jerusalem is built on several hills, and has a cooler climate than many other major cities. One of its aesthetic features is that buildings are made with Jerusalem stone, a pale white-yellow limestone.


Jerusalem has been the center of Jewish life since Davidic times. In its history, it has been conquered and destroyed dozens of times by invading armies and empires. However, there has always been a Jewish presence in Jerusalem. In late 1800 Ottoman censuses, Jews were a majority of the population of Jerusalem. However, Jerusalem was set to be an international city in initial partition plans in the late 1940s. Following the Israeli War of Independence, Jerusalem was split between east and west, with the east side being in the possession of Jordan. In 1967, Israel retook east Jerusalem, and the bulk of Jewish holy sites. In 1980, the Knesset passed the “Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel” which establishes a united Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and under complete Israeli sovereignty. 

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Twice in 24 hours: Houthi missile triggers sirens in Jerusalem, surrounding area

This missile was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force prior to crossing into Israeli territory, the IDF said.

Israel Police use extreme force against protesters, punch and kick demonstrators

Democrats party head Yair Golan was thrown to the ground by a police officer at a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Aza Street home.

20/03/2025

Bringing down Bibi or bringing home hostages? What are the protesters fighting for

Israel's return to fighting in Gaza just before the scheduled protest swung the pendulum for many protesters, who emphasized the importance of bringing the hostages above all else.

19/03/2025

19th-century Megillat Esther linked to Gaza's Jewish community up for auction in Jerusalem

The scroll bears rare stamps of 'K.K. Gaza', revealing its use by Jews from Gaza who settled in Alexandria.

Armenian genocide survivors in Syria face new threats, warns Jerusalem Church

Their churches, schools, and homes have come under fire in the ongoing civil war, and the fear of further displacement looms once again.

 Firefighters rappel down the façade of the Feuerstein Institute. March 11, 2025.

Purim spirit: Firefighters rappel down building for disabled youth dressed as superheroes

The firefighters came down the building, donning Batman, Superman, and Spiderman costumes while the residents of the institutes cheered on. 

Police officers arrest shooter who wounded one at King George in Jerusalem

The victim sustained moderate wounds to his leg and was transferred to the hospital. 

Light rail, heavy costs: Jerusalem commuters protest transportation price hikes

Prices increased from NIS 6 to NIS 8 at the end of February, an increase of over 30%, with no significant change to the service provided.

12/03/2025
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