Jerusalem Notebook

Rediscover Jerusalem through a Palestinian lens.
Who Are the Palestinians of Jerusalem? Lessons of Our Elders: What They Lost When They Lost Jerusalem

What do Jerusalemites who were forced to leave their homes in 1948 tell their descendants about the place they lost?

Sabreen Is the Studio at the Heart of Jerusalem’s Musical Community

Jerusalem-based studio Sabreen has been supporting Palestinian musicians since the 1980s.

The Unusual Origins of an Iconic East Jerusalem Hotel

A Palestinian “Pasha’s Palace” became a haven for traumatized evangelical Christians who served the community for decades and founded a storied hotel.

Blog Posts

Spiritual and Religious Life Jerusalem Suffers in Silence on Eid al-Adha

Palestinian Jerusalemites find it impossible to celebrate this Eid al-Adha.

Spiritual and Religious Life Feeding the Needy on Eid al-Adha in Today’s Jerusalem: A High-Risk Endeavor

For Palestinian Jerusalemites, even fulfilling religious obligations is fraught with risk under Israeli occupation.

Spiritual and Religious Life The Splendor of Eid al-Fitr in Jerusalem, Despite the Sadness

A deep sadness cloaked the city, but the Eid al-Fitr rites were observed, including visiting the dead and saying prayers for their souls.

Spiritual and Religious Life Spiritual Jerusalem Unites Us

Jerusalemites observed Easter and Eid al-Fitr during the same week, but a deep sadness hung over the city.

Spiritual and Religious Life al-Barazeq al-Maqdisi, a Ramadan Treat

Nowhere can you find barazeq as scrumptious as you find it in Jerusalem during Ramadan.

Spiritual and Religious Life Christians Celebrate a Sepulchral Easter in Jerusalem, with Lower Turnout than Usual

Muted and downsized, Easter services offer solace to worshippers able to reach them despite Israeli checkpoints and police.

Spiritual and Religious Life Praying in al-Aqsa Mosque as an Act of Patriotism

This year, Ramadan prayer is being seen through a different lens.

Spiritual and Religious Life Where Can All Jerusalemites Meet? Where but . . . Amman

Jordan hosts Jerusalemite leaders.