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

On “Jerusalem Day,” Israeli Marchers Chant “Death to Arabs”

At the annual Flag March through Jerusalem, Israeli violence and threats are commonplace while celebrating the city’s conquest.

Holy Fire Ceremony Marred by Police Restrictions, Brutality

For the third year in a row, Israeli authorities enforced strict restrictions on participation in the Holy Saturday celebrations, the holiest day of the year for Orthodox Christians.

Land Israel to Push Ahead with Home Demolitions in Jerusalem during Ramadan

Tensions reach the boiling point in Jerusalem as Ben-Gvir announces home demolitions to continue during Ramadan.

Tree Lighting Illuminates the Old City and Brings Smiles to Faces

Christians throng the streets for a tree-lighting ceremony in the area of the New Gate in the Old City.

Spotted in the Old City: Santa Claus

Santa Claus takes the Old City—Arab style

Ramadan Moments: Old City of Jerusalem

A short vlog that evokes the sights and sounds of Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem, from morning into night—those moments that are not darkened by violent encounters.

Ramadan, Nonetheless

While Ramadan 2022 was marked by repeated confrontations between the community and the police, Jerusalemites still managed to celebrate their holiday in traditional ways, as these photos show. 

The Holy Light: From Jerusalem to the World

The Miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem thrilled worshippers who managed to get in to see it, but thousands were blocked by new police restrictions that caused community outrage.