Jerusalem Notebook

Rediscover Jerusalem through a Palestinian lens.
Who Are the Palestinians of Jerusalem? A Visit to Bassem’s Gallery & Café: Celebrating and Preserving Palestinian Culture

Bassem’s Gallery & Café is filled with Palestinian artifacts curated by Issam Bayan and his uncle, Bassem Hallak, both of the Palestinian African community.

The Palestine Festival of Literature Hosts a Unique Conversation on “Surviving Colonialism” in Jerusalem

The Palestine Festival of Literature returns after a four-year hiatus.

“Double Panopticon”: Amnesty International Slams Israeli Facial Recognition Surveillance

Amnesty International says Israel’s use of biometric and facial recognition surveillance supports apartheid.

Blog Posts

The West Side Story The Nakba as Experienced by a Jerusalem Child

The trauma of losing home and familiar ways of being in the world lingered with author Nina Bazouzi Cullers for decades after her family left Qatamon for the Old City. A book review.

In the Latest Chapter of the Battle over Palestinian Education in Jerusalem, Authorities Search Children’s Book Bags

How parents are pushing back against the state’s efforts to intimidate Palestinian schools into altering their textbooks and curricula

Spotted in the Old City: Santa Claus

Santa Claus takes the Old City—Arab style

The al-Bustan Scout Troop Offers a Rare Respite for the Youth of a Traumatized Silwan Neighborhood

Children find joy, purpose, and belonging in scouting in al-Bustan, Silwan.

Palestinians in Jerusalem Reject Israeli Attempts to Impose a Distorted Curriculum in Schools

Why are Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem going on strike and protesting? We spoke with a lifelong Jerusalem resident, parent, and community activist to find out.

al-Bustan Hosts Summer Scout Camp for Silwan Youth

A summer camp offers Silwan scouts an exciting and character-building experience.

Entranced by Dance, a Jerusalem Teen Founded a Professional Dance Troupe to Empower Others

A Jerusalem teen who was intoxicated with dance and its transformative capacities made it his mission to help Palestinian children soar; today they are Douban Professional Dance.

Who Are the Palestinians of Jerusalem? Creator of Long-Beloved Children’s Puppet among Hundreds Facing Expulsion in Sheikh Jarrah Neighborhood

Music educator and puppeteer Yacoub Abu Arafeh uses creative education to serve society and confront challenges, including those facing his own neighborhood, targeted for forcible expulsions.