Holy Sites

Short Take Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites of Jerusalem: A Century of Dynastic Authority and Protection

How Jordan’s ruling dynasty, the Hashemites, came to be custodians of Jerusalem’s holy sites

Feature Story Freeze on Church Accounts Lifted after Direct Pressure from Israel’s PM and the US

Churches find themselves in the city’s crosshairs.

Blog Post Jerusalem in the Age of Possibilities

In 1900, Jerusalemites felt they were part of a city whose municipality was improving their quality of life in measurable ways. A book review.

Palestinian village al-Nabi Samwil stone ruins with goats, from the documentary Nabi Samwil 1099–2099
Video Nabi Samwil 1099–2099

A Palestinian village enclaved by walls yet rooted in centuries of history and resilience

Feature Story Experts Warn: Israel Is Changing the Long-Standing Status Quo at al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led Jewish visitors in prayer next to the Dome of the Rock in early August 2025, marking a dramatic change to the Status Quo arrangements.

Blog Post Jerusalem’s Shared Status Quo Is Being Shattered by Jewish Nationalist Conquest

A holy season that should have been a celebration of shared religious heritage was marred by Jewish extremists.

Photo Album Denied, Delayed, Determined: The Palestinian Journey to Pray at al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan

Going to extremes to pray at one’s holy site

Graphic How Israel Restricts Muslims’ Access to Pray in al-Aqsa Mosque

A visual overview of the multilayered points at which Israel blocks Muslims from accessing their holiest site, even during Ramadan