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.

I refuse to hide my cross': Jerusalem's Christians describe a climate of fear

Clergy, residents, and business owners say assaults against Christians in Jerusalem are becoming more frequent – and more tolerated

MAY 21, 2026|ByDANA BEN-SHIMON

‘We were taught to love each other, not to hate. Christians are a peaceful community,’ says Naji Mansour, owner of Mansour Money Change in the Old City.

Premium

The stunning new Rovah neighborhood at the entrance to the city.

Jerusalem

I refuse to hide my cross': Jerusalem's Christians describe a climate of fear

Jerusalem’s real estate boom heads to New York for a major expo led by Mayor Moshe Lion

Somaliland embassy to be based in Jerusalem, newly inaugurated ambassador says

Jerusalem Grand Slam to bring international athletics back to capital

Motza: A welcome break from reality in the Jerusalem Hills - restaurant review

Grapevine: Bevy of buses

Indictment filed against Jerusalem resident for spying on behalf of Iran, contacting foreign agent

Back on track: Jerusalem Marathon returns as symbol of ‘normalcy’

Netanyahu's criminal trial to resume Sunday after wartime court freeze

Ben-Gvir tours Temple Mount, urges expanded access for worshippers amid Iran war restrictions

A voice of praise: Why this Haggadah puts Miriam at the center of the Exodus

Two separate Israeli espionage cases uncover Iran-linked activities in Jerusalem, Ashkelon

Police intervene as 100 people try to enter private compound near Tomb of the Kings in Jerusalem

High Court raises Western Wall visitor cap to 100, keeps broader wartime prayer policy under review