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Jerusalem A Holy City
The city of Jerusalem, Israel's capital, is one of the oldest cities in the world and in existence for three thousand years. The alleged City of David, it was the city where King David established his royal court and his son Solomon built the First Temple. Jerusalem was also the city where Jesus spent his last days until his crucifixion.
Throughout the ages, Jerusalem has been considered as a Holy City for the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religious faiths lay claim to religious sites within what is known as the Old City, with the place known as Mount Moriah, or The Temple Mount for Jews, is also called Kareem al Shareef by Muslims. Islam's third holiest site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is on top of Mt. Moriah, near the site of the Second Temple. Judaism's holiest site, the Kotel or Western Wall, is blow the mount and is all that remains of the Temple built by Herod the Great around the beginning of. the Common Era.
After being a divided city following the 1948 War of Independence, Jerusalem became a united city once more in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six Day War.
More than 400,000 people live in Jerusalem's several neighborhoods, with about 70% being Jewish, and the remaining 30% Muslim and other religious faiths. Though few diplomatic ambassadorships exist in Jerusalem, a number of foreign consulates are found there, as well as scores of international organizational offices, giving a city a truly international flavor. Due to the large number of religious Jews, especially ultra orthodox Jews who live in Jerusalem, the city has taken on a particularly religious aspect which is felt by all on the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat, as well as on Jewish holidays. From sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday, the city literally closes down, with few places of business or entertainment open - expect in non-Jewish areas.
Jerusalem is also a cultural center with art galleries, museums, and music halls for concerts. As the center of Israel's government, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, is located virtually in the city's center, as well as the main campus of Hebrew University and the Israel Museum. Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is located near Mt. Herzl, the burial site of Theodore Herzl and a number of former Israeli Presidents and Prime Ministers. Despite its religious flavor, the city has a thriving commercial center with large shopping malls, as well as a large open air market and pedestrian mall. Jerusalem is an important tourist attraction with a number of large, luxurious hotels, and numerous smaller ones, including youth hostels and pensions. The King David Hotel, a historical landmark, is still one of the city's most luxurious and an important meeting place for foreign press corps and diplomats.
Despite being called the "City of Peace", Jerusalem has had more than it's share of terrorist attacks and damage inflicted by acts of War. The city was the scene or fierce battles during both the 1948 War of independence and the 1967 Six Day War. Some the worst acts of terror have also occurred on its streets, and in its restaurants and other places of entertainment. Despite this, the city retains its vibrancy, and long time Jerusalemites will not consider living anywhere else.
The city is currently undergoing a number of structural changes, including the construction of an inner city rail tram to relieve some of the heavy traffic congestion that is a daily occurrence in the city. Though there is occasional friction between the various sectarian groups who live within the city, most of the city's citizens manage to live together in relative harmony. The future of the city, especially it's northern and eastern sections, remains the subject of controversy, however; and the final status of the city's municipal boundaries, including those populated by Muslims, are still be determined.
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