30

Interesting that catw has insight that the rest of us who actually do live here cannot be certain of. Catw paints a simplistic picture of one of the most complex regions on earth.

We, the Jewish population of Israel, overwhelmingly support the prospect of peace with our Palestinian neighbors. Most Jews in Israel are also in favor of the two-state solution. But what the borders of those two states will be is still uncertain and depends upon the results of any peace negotiations that may eventually lead to an agreement between the parties.

There certainly is a contrast in cultures when one compares the various neighborhoods of Jerusalem. For the time being it is ONE undivided city for the enjoyment of all our foreign visitors.

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Dear Dave, Jerusalem is not "one and undivided city". West Jerusalem is in Israel but East Jerusalem is not, it's in the Palestinian territory. West Jerusalem is populated by Israelis, East Jerusalem is populated by Palestinians, plus a handful of settlers - I doubt any tourist is interested in visiting these settlements.

That both Israelis and Palestinians are yearning for peace is true. The first step to peace is tolerance and
pragmatism - acknowledging reality.

http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/0D90191FBC1DDBC88525785C004DF7A5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positions_on_Jerusalem

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#41 (catw)

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Will you please stop misleading tourists to Jerusalem with your biased political opinions? There are no walls, fences or checkpoints within the city. It is all ONE city in which one is free to move unhindered between its Arab and Jewish neighbourhoods, as well as the Old City.

33

Dear A1, this is a travel forum, so please leave politics at home.

Jerusalem is not "one and undivided city". West Jerusalem is in Israel but East Jerusalem is not, it's in the Palestinian territory. West Jerusalem is populated by Israelis, East Jerusalem is populated by Palestinians, plus a handful of settlers living in settlements.

There are usually no checkpoints between East and West since the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been occupied by the Israeli army since 1967.

http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/0D90191FBC1DDBC88525785C004DF7A5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positions_on_Jerusalem

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#43 (catw)

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So why do you insist on posting your politics: "... but East Jerusalem is not, it's in the Palestinian territory ?"

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Because East Jerusalem is in the Palestinian territory, and West Jerusalem in Israel. That's why people speak Arabic in East Jerusalem, and Hebrew in West Jerusalem. Happily many people also speak English on both sides, which comes handy for travellers.

That's what so cool about Jerusalem: anyone visiting the city discovers two different countries and cultures.

http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/0D90191FBC1DDBC88525785C004DF7A5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positions_on_Jerusalem

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Jerusalem has only bee divided for one short period in its history stretching back thousands of years, 1948-67. The Palestinians have no legal or moral claim to half of the city that had only been divided once. They NEVER had sovereignty over the city, nor were they assigned it in accordance to international laws. Anyone who wants the city re-divided has no appreciation for its beauty as a united city.

There are many cities in the works with 2 or more languages, and they are not divided.

37

Tourists, do not become confused by catw's extremist political agenda.

Here are the facts on the ground for you:

Bethlehem and Jericho (two cities most often visited by tourists) are cities within the Palestinian Autonomous Territories on the West Bank. You cannot use an Israeli rental car to visit these cities. You cannot be guided by a licensed Israel tour guide in these Palestinian cities either. You are free to visit the Palestinian Autonomous Territory, but, if you are looking for a professional, you must use a Palestinian guide for exploring those areas.

Jerusalem, however, is a completely different situation. Israel and Israel alone currently administers ALL of Jerusalem (both West and East) as one undivided city. Licensed Israel tour guides can guide you in all areas of Jerusalem - West, East and the Old City. Israel views the united city of Jerusalem as its capital. It is, however, true that much of East Jerusalem is heavily populated by ethnic Palestinians whose political status is different from the status of Palestinians who reside in the Palestinian Autonomous Territory.

The Old City and areas in East Jerusalem were conquered by Israel in the Six Day War. Those areas, though viewed by Israel as neighborhoods within the country's capital, are viewed as 'occupied' by much of the international community. But let nobody confuse you - the status of Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah are NOT the same as Jerusalem.

38

Wow. What did I start? Thanks for the restaurant recommendations a few pages ago. I look forward to trying them.

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Jerusalem is shared between the Israelis (the Western side of the city), and the Palestinians (the eastern side).

That's what so cool about the city: it's the only one in the world where you will get to visit two countries - Israel and Palestine. Plus you'll get to discover the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths since the city is holy for all three.

It's a great opportunity to discover both the Israeli and the Palestinian culture, which have a lot in common.

40

Thanks for the food and drink tips. Had a glass of wine and some cheese on a rainy afternoon at Notre Dame. Enjoyed a few Palestinian beers at the American Colony Hotel. But the overwhelming favourite was Barood which we ended up eating at 3 times. Great home style food, good wine and fantastic service.

Will also mention that I had a great New Year's dinner at a place called the Culinary Kitchen.

41

Yep, Barood is great, lovely food, lovely people, feels like a home to many customers.

Culinary Workshop (HaSadna) is quite expensive but excellent, it opened quite recently.