Jerusalem Notebook

Rediscover Jerusalem through a Palestinian lens.
Closure and Access to Jerusalem Palestinian Women Share Little-Noted Hazards of Prolonged Closures: “The Checkpoints Strained My Bladder”

The right to medical treatment and even to relieve oneself are compromised by Israeli checkpoints, especially when extended closures are enforced.

The Old City Shops Are Reeling after Weeks of Closure Due to War

Jerusalem shop owners are determined to remain open, despite Israeli measures placing the Old City off limits to most Palestinians, which kills business.

Gaza War: Escalating Israeli Abuse of Palestinian Prisoners Is Hidden Front

Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners before and after the October 7 Hamas attack is taking a toll.

Blog Posts

Mohanad Darwish: “I’ve Never Been Surrounded by This Many Rifles in My Entire Life”

What is it like to come of age in Jerusalem as a Palestinian male?

Children at High Risk: “After Gaza, the Most Dangerous Place for Palestinians Right Now Is East Jerusalem”

The October 7 war has led to increased violations of Palestinian children’s rights in Jerusalem and across the oPT, and defending them has become more challenging.

Education Israeli Government Bill Aims to Deny Funding to Palestinian Schools in East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem schools may soon be given two bad options and forced to choose one: Teach the Israeli curriculum or lose funding.

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.

Education 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.

Education 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.