Modern GeographyJerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities. Christians and Muslims both revere the city, for the holy sites and history it contains. It is central, and essential, to the Jewish faith, mentioned in the Bible over 600 times. Jerusalem has many different names in the Bible, including Shalem, and Ir David (David's city). The etymology of the name is thought to come from "yerusha," meaning inheritance, and "shalem," meaning peace.

Jerusalem has a long history in antiquity, beginning with King David, who wrested control of the city from the Jebusites and declared it his capital (II Samuel 5). Jerusalem was the site of countless battles and changed hands numerous times throughout history. From the time of King David, Jerusalem was besieged, attacked, captured, and recaptured dozens of times, until its final capture by the Israeli forces after the Six Day War in 1967.

After its reunification following the Six Day War, Jerusalem flourished into a modern city, while retaining its holiness and history. The Old City is divided into four quarters—Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, and the city's holy sites are visited by Christian, Muslim, and Jewish pilgrims throughout the year. For Christians, Jerusalem is the site of Jesus' Last Supper and His Crucifixion, and many come to walk the path of the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which lies within the Old City walls. Muslims consider Jerusalem their third holiest city, as it is home to the famous Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, both commemorating Mohammed's Night of Ascension, where, according to tradition, he was miraculously transported from Mecca to the Temple Mount and met with previous prophets of Islam. Jews come to pray at the Western Wall, the only remnant from the Holy Temple. Such is the prominence of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple in Jewish tradition that synagogues the world over are constructed so that one prays in the direction of Jerusalem; within Jerusalem, the synagogue faces the site of the Holy of Holies, on Temple Mount.

Jerusalem is synonymous with religious significance, but it is also a city of culture. The Israel Museum, and its famous Shrine of the Book, in which the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, is in Jerusalem and is a tremendous tourist attraction. Israel's Holocaust Museum, called Yad Vashem, contains the world's largest collection of Holocaust information, and honors those "Righteous Among Nations."

Jerusalem is, perhaps surprisingly, a city of artists. The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has appeared all over the world; the yearly Israel Festival, which features Israeli performance artists, has been drawing tourists and locals since 1961; and the Jerusalem Film Festival is held every year at the Cinemateque just outside the Old City's walls. Jerusalem is also home to Muslim culture, housing the Palestinian National Theater and the Islamic Museum. The prestigious Hebrew University is located in Jerusalem as well, attended by students from all over Israel, and from all over the world; the University's teaching hospital and medical school, Hadassah, is the most prestigious medical center in the Middle East, with state-of-the-art care in all areas of medicine, most notably, trauma and transplants. The city also hosts the country's most famous Zoo, The Tisch Family Biblical Zoo at Malha.

The famous Mahne Yehuda "shuk" (outdoor market) attracts throngs looking for fresh produce and good bargains, a must for locals and tourists alike to absorb the local flavor(s). Ben-Yehuda Street, named after Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, who arrived during the First Aliyah and was instrumental in revitalizing Hebrew as Israel's national language, is also a popular attraction, and is busy from morning until the late hours of the night. The Ben-Yehuda Pedestrian Mall begins where the road intersects King George Street. The wide, cobble-stone paths are full to bursting with stores selling beautiful Judaica created by Israeli artists; jewelry stores; souvenir shops stocked with t-shirts, Israeli flags, and hats; and numerous cafes and restaurants eager to serve the weary traveler.

Due to Jerusalem's unique geographical location, nestled in between the Judean Mountains, the weather is much more temperate than in other parts of the country. Even in the middle of August, there is often a cool breeze and it is pleasant to walk around outside. The stores and restaurants in Jerusalem close for Shabbat, but reopen soon after it ends, and people young and old enjoy strolling around late Saturday night.

At the end of Ben-Yehuda Street, where it intersects Jaffa Road, is the community of Nahalat Shiva. This was one of the first neighborhoods to be established outside the walls of the Old City during the 19th century. The area has undergone a makeover, and the streets are now lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Mishkenot Shaananim came before, though—the very first city to be established outside the Old City Walls, built in 1869 by Sir Moses Montefiore. Initially, the Jews were reluctant to move in; due to its openness, it was often a target of raiders and bandits. To encourage the Jews to move outside the crowded Old City and into the relatively luxurious housing, people were paid to move, and a gate was built enclosing the housing development. After the 1948 War, most Jews left, as it was dangerously close to the armistice line between Israel and Jordan; however, in 1973, a few years after the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem, Mishkenot Shaananim was turned into an upscale guesthouse. Authors, artists, and musicians visiting Israel often stay there, and it is also a convention center and the home of the Jerusalem Music Center.

The Knesset, Israel's parliament, is headquartered in Jerusalem as well. Named after the Knesset HaGedolah (the Great Assembly), from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Knesset is the legislative branch of the Israeli government. The 120-member Knesset elects the president and prime minister, enacts laws, and supervises the work of the government. The building was financed by James A. de Rothschild and was given as a gift to the Israeli people. The Knesset was first assembled in 1949, following Israel's independence. The Knesset offers guided tours to the public in six different languages, and individuals or groups can also observe Knesset sessions from the public gallery three days a week.

Like in the days of old, when the economy was financed mostly by religious pilgrims, Jerusalem's economy today is still heavily dependent on religious tourists. Tours of local sites of interest, such as the churches, and mosques, walking tours through the Old City, and tours of the ancient archaeological sites near the Western Wall, are available year round.

Jerusalem is the holiest city for Jews, and they have never forsaken it, no matter what the cost. The Western Wall, the only remnant from the Temple, is the second most sacred places in all of Judaism, and many thousands of Jews come every year to pray there and leave a note of supplication in the ancient stone crevices. Psalm 131, one of the most moving, emotion-filled psalms reiterates the Jews' dedication to Jerusalem, declaring that the importance of Jerusalem is like one's own right hand, as one cannot imagine living without it.