The Old City

JICC actively fosters communication channels with residents of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters of the Old City. Together with the Mayor’s Office, residents address shared issues, such as public transport, access for emergency vehicles, hazard removal and coordination around cultural events. JICC has also joined partner organizations to monitor attacks against clergy, pilgrims, tourists, and holy sites by radical individuals.

Impact

100+

Volunteers walk alongside Police and Christian processions

Processions and Holy events accompanied each year

Meetings with the Mayor’s Office and City Council annually

Old City representatives from all Quarters collaborate on issues of shared concern

Context

The Old City of Jerusalem, including Mount Zion, symbolizes religious freedom and cultural diversity.

Life in the Old City of Jerusalem is complex, with Jews, Christian and Muslim Palestinians, and Armenian Christians living side-by-side and in close proximity. Given the deep religious significance each group ascribes to Old City, and the holy sites within, opportunities for violent friction between groups abound. Despite the challenges, those who live in the four quarters need carry out their daily lives, park their cars, dispose of garbage, protect green spaces and enjoy cultural events.

Strategies

Transportation

All Old City residents face challenges with parking, traffic congestion, accessing public transport and frequent road closures. Ambulances and emergency personnel struggle to reach people in prayer houses and schools. JICC convenes a forum of all residents to work closely with the Mayor’s Office to find workable solutions.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion, which champions the site of the Tomb of Kind David, the tomb of the Muslim prophet Daud, and the Room of the Last Supper, is deeply significant to all three monotheistic faiths. JICC convenes all the institutions and residents of the mount, together with the Police and the municipality to organize around shared issues.

Relevant Staff

Tami Lavie

Director of Community Partnerships

Email:

jicc@jicc.org.il