A Jewish settler association established in 1978 whose stated objective is to “restore Jewish life in the heart of ancient Jerusalem.” Ateret Cohanim considers the Muslim and Christian Quarters of the Old City to be the “Old Jewish Quarter” and is working actively to “reclaim” it (i.e. transfer property into Jewish hands). Ateret Cohanim’s activities are focused on the Old City of Jerusalem, although they have increased their work in Silwan, specifically in the Batn al-Hawa neighborhood, and also have established a settlement in the Palestinian town of Abu Dis. Ateret Cohanim facilitates the appropriation of Palestinian properties in Jerusalem, thereby expelling Palestinian residents and transferring their properties to Jewish Israeli settlers.
The organization has an American wing, the American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, based in Woodmere, New York.