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.

Anti-draft ultra-Orthodox protesters vandalize police cars in Jerusalem after draft dodger arrested

Officers from the station, as well as members of the police's Special Patrol Unit and Border Police, prevented the protesters from entering and dispersed them "through the usage of force."

MAY 25, 2026|ByTZVI JASPER

Anti-IDF haredi activists Jerusalem Faction activists block the road under Jerusalem's Chords Bridge, April 29, 2026.

Jewish men dance with Israeli flags during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025.

Jerusalem Day’s violence should not erase the memory of a divided city - opinion

Jerusalem Day sparks debate over media framing, past divisions, and competing narratives about the city’s unity and history.

MAY 23, 2026|ByYISRAEL MEDAD

Winging it: Jerusalem writers festival lineup reveals a shifting cultural landscape

Envelope-pushing European-based American writer Nell Zink joins a stellar cast at this year’s Jerusalem International Writers Festival.

MAY 23, 2026|ByBARRY DAVIS

The lost Leonard Cohen concerts in Israel may finally see the light of day

A court ruling could clear the way for the release of Leonard Cohen’s long-hidden Israel concerts and archives.

MAY 22, 2026|ByDAVID BRINN

Sovev Jerusalem 2026 returns

More than 5,000 participants are expected to take part in Israel's largest cycling event, which will be held on May 29 in Jerusalem.

MAY 22, 2026ByWALLA! LOCAL

'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, 2026ByDANA 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.

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

Somaliland announced it will open its embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel will establish its embassy in Hargeisa, marking growing ties and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

MAY 19, 2026ByJAMES GENN

President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, after receiving his credentials at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, May 18, 2026.

Jerusalem Grand Slam to bring international athletics back to capital

Athletes from about 26 countries are expected to compete at Givat Ram National Stadium on June 25, organizers said.

MAY 19, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Jerusalem Grand Slam to bring international athletics back to capital.

Orphans who lost parents during October 7 war celebrate joint Kotel bar mitzvah

The boys enjoyed a day-long celebration, proceeding down to the Western wall accompanied by their families, where they were called up to the Torah.

MAY 19, 2026ByMICHAEL STARR

Government exploring plans to seize Arab homes, public buildings in Jerusalem's Old City - report

The government's investigation will focus on Chain Gate Street, a major commercial and tourist center on the border between the Jewish and Muslim quarters, and is very close to the Temple Mount.

MAY 18, 2026ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS

People walk in the Old City of Jerusalem on March 8, 2026.

Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel welcomed by Herzog in historic ceremony

President says new partnership will promote cooperation “for the benefit of both our peoples and the entire region.”

MAY 18, 2026ByTOBIAS SIEGAL, GREER FAY CASHMAN

Embassies in Jerusalem: Gov't approves proposal allocating budget for relocations to capital

The proposal includes allocating budgets for incentive packages for relocating embassies, encouraging meetings and delegations in Jerusalem, and fostering cooperation in additional fields.

MAY 17, 2026ByDANYA SAPERSTEIN