The Other Side of Jerusalem
View over Old Town Jerusalem While most visitors to Israel will undoubtedly see the highlights in Jerusalem like the famous Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old Town, not as many will venture further afield to explore the areas outside the main tourist attractions, in particular beyond the “Green Line” of HaShalom Street in what is known as East Jerusalem, center of Palestinian life in the city. As a true example of a treasure off the beaten track, however, a visit to East Jerusalem may be highly worthwhile, as it can provide a glimpse into the current dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations, an introduction to Palestinian culture and an insight into individual identities contested along geopolitical and religious boundaries. So no better way to start such exploration than to visit Damascus Gate along the walls of Old Town. To reach the gate, we are already crossing the former border, where between 1948 when Israel was founded and the 6-day war of 1967 East Jerus