|
 |
| 
 History of the Relationship
Current Initiatives
Past Activities
| |
|
|
|
|
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It was established 3000 years ago. Located between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, Jerusalem is divided into two parts, East and West and is home to significant jewish and arab populations.
Jerusalem is a combination of ancient and modern. The Old City contains the highest concentration of religious and historical sites and is roughly divided into four sections: Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian. Modern Jerusalem hosts the Israeli parliament, the economic headquarters, post-1948 national monuments, and the national cemetery.
Early planning regulations have set limits for the permitted height of buildings, and have prohibited construction in the city’s valleys. Additionally, during British rule from 1917-1948, the use of local Jerusalem stone was mandated to be used on all building facades, giving the city a sense of clear uniformity and adherence to basic aesthetic principles.
The city’s boundaries are often disputed, but roughly contain a total area of 47 square miles. The combined population of East and West Jerusalem in 2001 was 657,500 (70% Israeli Jews and 30% Palestinian Arabs).
History source: Microsoft Encarta Online 2003
| |
|
|
|
|
Jerusalem continues to struggle in bringing its diverse and historically conflicting populations together. Conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis has made cooperation difficult. However, citizens of Jerusalem have worked hard to save numerous important religious and political relics and monuments from strife, including Temple Mount, the holy Western Wall, and the Wailing Wall in the Old City.
| |
|
|
|
|
Like New York City's parade of cows, Jerusalem set 81 lion sculptures around the city. The lion is the Jerusalem city mascot, and the sculptures served as play toys and icons of cheer. This "Armenian Prince" to the left was designed by Maureen Fain and displayed in Safra Square.
| |
|
|
|
 | 
The Holy Land Hotel in Jerusalem displays a 1:50 scale-model of Jerusalem in 20 BC. It covers a quarter of an acre of land. Photo copyright 1999 by Zola Levitt Ministries.
| |
|
|
