Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world. It is home to three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Each faith has a deep connection to the city’s history, culture and holy sites. But Jerusalem is also a city of conflict, as different groups claim rights and sovereignty over its land and resources.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers Jerusalem as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The international community does not recognize Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, and most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and aspirations of both parties.

Despite the political and religious tensions, Jerusalem remains a vibrant and diverse city, where people of different faiths and backgrounds coexist and interact. The city offers a rich array of cultural, historical and spiritual attractions, such as the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, the Israel Museum and many more. Jerusalem is also a center of education, innovation and creativity, with several universities, research institutes and artistic venues.

Jerusalem is a city that inspires awe and curiosity, but also challenges and controversies. It is a city that invites visitors to explore its beauty and complexity, but also to respect its sensitivity and diversity.

One of the most remarkable features of Jerusalem is its diversity of religious and ethnic communities. The city has a population of about 900,000 people, of which about 62% are Jewish, 37% are Muslim and 1% are Christian. There are also small groups of Armenians, Druze, Bahá’ís and others. Each community has its own neighborhoods, schools, institutions and traditions. Some of the most prominent areas in Jerusalem are the Old City, which is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian; the modern downtown area, which is mostly secular and cosmopolitan; and the East Jerusalem neighborhoods, which are predominantly Arab and face socio-economic challenges.

Another aspect of Jerusalem’s diversity is its cultural and artistic scene. The city hosts many festivals, events and performances throughout the year, showcasing local and international talents. Some of the most notable examples are the Jerusalem Film Festival, the Jerusalem International Book Fair, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Israel Festival and the Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival. The city also has a thriving nightlife, with bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes and preferences. Jerusalem is also a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with several startups, incubators and accelerators operating in various fields such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, education and social impact.

However, Jerusalem’s diversity also poses challenges and conflicts. The city has witnessed many episodes of violence and unrest over the years, fueled by political, religious and ideological disputes. Some of the most recent examples are the 2014 Gaza war, which sparked riots and clashes in East Jerusalem; the 2015-2016 wave of stabbings and shootings by Palestinian assailants; the 2017 decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move its embassy there; and the 2021 escalation of tensions over the eviction of Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah and the access to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound. These incidents have increased the mistrust and hostility between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as between different groups within each society.