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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Christians in Israel slam Netanyahu's 'disrespectful' response to Pope's death

This comes after several Israeli diplomatic missions deleted condolence messages after Pope Francis's passing.

26/04/2025

Honoring Israel’s Fallen on Yom HaZikaron at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem

WATCH: Ceremony for Israel’s English-speaking community to be held on April 29 at 18:45.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF , IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE JERUSALEM
24/04/2025

Christians gather at Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre to mourn Pope Francis

Worshippers shed tears under the rotunda, while others lit candles and knelt at the Stone of the Anointing to honor the pontiff's passing.

By REUTERS
23/04/2025

Establishing a home in the State of Israel

Pastoral project in Jerusalem is attracting foreigners and Israelis alike looking to have a place to call home in the State of Israel.

Sponsored
By ISAAC KAPLAN
21/04/2025
 The assaulted bus driver on the floor (blue shirt) as a colleague stands over him calling for help

Travelers attack bus drivers at Jerusalem CBS, reportedly due to lack of seating

The footage, seen by The Jerusalem Post, shows travelers pushing, kicking, and dragging a bus driver along the floor.

20/04/2025

'Next year in Jerusalem': From a prayer to a call for action

Modern Zionism, whether the Herzl or Alkalai version, inspired Jews to no longer think of “Next Year in Jerusalem” as just a prayer but rather as a call to action.

By ALIZA PILICHOWSKI
20/04/2025

Jerusalem violinist goes missing in Safed

Known for performing in Jerusalem's Zion Square, nine days have passed since her disappearance as of Saturday, with no clues as to her whereabouts.

By ELIA FARJON
19/04/2025
 US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Western Wall, April 18, 2025.

'We will bring them home,' US amb. Huckabee vows at Western Wall

Huckabee also noted Trump's support of Israel, such as through recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the Golan Heights.

Jerusalem celebrates Holy Thursday with ritual feet washing commemorating Last Supper

Members of the Church believe that the act is also symbolic of selflessness and compassion, commemorating the Last Supper. 

Blind, sighted athletes run side by side in Jersualem Marathon

Running side by side, these blind and sighted athletes are connecting across all social boundaries.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
15/04/2025
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