West Jerusalem

West Jerusalem is the part of Jerusalem that was under Israeli control after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. At that time, the city was split by a line known as the Green Line, which marked Israel's temporary border. West Jerusalem was separate from East Jerusalem, which was controlled by Jordan.

Since the 1967 Arab–Israeli War, Israel has controlled all of Jerusalem. However, the idea of West and East Jerusalem still matters because it helps people talk about the city's status. This status is very important in discussions about the Arab–Israeli conflict and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Even though Israel now controls the whole city, many countries still think of East Jerusalem as part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Some believe that only West Jerusalem should be recognized as Israeli territory, but the whole city's status remains a big topic in peace talks.

History

Pre 1948: the Jewish Colony

The first Jewish settlements outside the old city walls were Mea Shearim and Yemin Moshe. In 1918, a plan was made to expand Jerusalem westward and southward.

By the 1920s, a community of Jewish people who spoke Hebrew had built homes around an area known as the Downtown Triangle, near Jaffa Road, Ben Yehuda Street, and King George Street.

1948 Arab–Israeli War

Before the 1948 war, West Jerusalem had many wealthy Arab families. After the war, Jerusalem was split into two parts. The western part, where many Arabs had left or been asked to leave, became part of Israel. The eastern part became part of Jordan and had many Palestinian Muslims and Christians.

Division in 1949

In 1949, the United Nations had planned for Jerusalem to be a special international city, but instead, Israel moved its government to West Jerusalem. Many Arabs living in neighborhoods like Katamon or Malha had to leave, and Jews in eastern areas also had to leave. Almost a third of the land in West Jerusalem had been owned by Palestinians before, which made it hard for them to accept Israeli control.

The only part of East Jerusalem that stayed with Israel during this time was Mount Scopus, where the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is located. It was surrounded by Jordanian-controlled areas and was not considered part of East Jerusalem.

Capital of Israel (1950)

In 1950, Israel chose West Jerusalem as its capital. The government built new offices, a university, a large synagogue, and the Knesset building there. In 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Other countries like Russia, the Czech Republic, and Australia also recognized it at different times, though Australia later changed its position.

Capture of East Jerusalem (1967)

Main article: Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem

In 1967, during a war called the Six-Day War, Israel took control of East Jerusalem and the whole West Bank. Over the years, the international community did not recognize this control. In 1980, Israel officially made East Jerusalem part of its city, but many countries did not agree. Even today, the people in East and West Jerusalem often live separately, with their own areas for work and government.

Commercial hubs

West Jerusalem has many busy shopping areas. Important places to shop include the Downtown Triangle, Mamilla Mall, Emek Refaim, and the Mahane Yehuda Market. These areas are popular for locals and visitors alike to explore and buy things.

Healthcare

One of the two Hadassah hospitals in Jerusalem is found in the West Jerusalem area of Ein Karem. This hospital’s synagogue has special windows called the Chagall Windows, made by the artist Marc Chagall.

Leisure facilities

West Jerusalem has some fun places to visit and enjoy. You can go to Teddy Stadium to watch sports, and there is also Cinema City where you can watch movies.

Religious centres

West Jerusalem is home to important places of worship. Two notable examples are the Jerusalem Great Synagogue and the Heichal Shlomo. These centres hold great meaning for many people.

Mayors of West Jerusalem

Main article: Mayor of Jerusalem

Here is a list of the leaders who helped guide West Jerusalem from 1948 through today:

• Dov Yosef (military governor) (1948–1949)
• Daniel Auster (1949–1950)
• Zalman Shragai (1951–1952)
• Yitzhak Kariv (1952–1955)
• Gershon Agron (1955–1959)
• Mordechai Ish-Shalom (1959–1965)
• Teddy Kollek (1965–1993)
• Ehud Olmert (1993–2003)
• Uri Lupolianski (2003–2008)
• Nir Barkat (2008–2018)
• Moshe Lion (2018–present)