In Jerusalem

Two sides to the narrative

05/03/2012 10:26 By PEGGY CIDOR

‘In Jerusalem’ takes a tour with right- and left-wing guides; Jewish settlements in E. J'lem will prevent splitting of city.

Photo by: Marc Israel Sellem

The two border guards at the checkpoint look surprised – they obviously aren’t used to seeing unexpected guests at their station. While one of them asks for my ID, the second tells me, my guide (a researcher for Ir Amim – an NGO that works toward equal rights for Palestinians living in east Jerusalem) and Wallid, our Arab driver, to stay outside the small compound, yelling at us that it is absolutely forbidden to enter. When they hear that we were not invited by any of the Jewish residents nor are we relatives of any of the Arabs living behind the barrier, we are politely but firmly asked to leave.

The place in question is the highly guarded entrance to Kidmat Zion, one of the “hot” projects on the city council’s agenda. In addition to the two structures already inhabited by six families, there is a plan to build new housing and enlarge the project, promoted by the right-wing Ateret Cohanim organization and supported by Mayor Nir Barkat. Kidmat Zion overlooks the Temple Mount, with a breathtaking – and unusual – view from the east.

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Two sides to the narrative

‘In Jerusalem’ takes a tour with right- and left-wing guides; Jewish settlements in E. J'lem will prevent splitting of city.

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