Changes in the Old Jerusalem

The Israeli municipal officials in Jerusalem plan to affect a series of changes in the Old City streets

and alleyways, from streetlights to gardens, lawyer Qays Nasser explained,

without first consulting a single Palestinian official or Jerusalem property owners.

28 february 2010

The unapproved changes on an area under Israeli occupation follow a Sunday announcement by the Israeli government claiming West Bank religious institutions as "national heritage sites," and adds to the fire already burning over continued excavations in Silwan and the Old City that seek to prioritize Jewish history in the holy land over its past and present Palestinian inhabitants.

According to Nasser, renovations are planned on 361 lanes and alleys of the Old City, totaling some 10% of the entire area of the ancient quarters.

Renovation projects targeting Damascus Gate, the central entrance to the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, could take as long as 24-36 months, Nasser said, closing the entrance to all pedestrian traffic. Nasser was also concerned of the fate of historic artifacts that would inevitably be found during the renovations, saying they would invariably be transferred to Israeli museums, rather than to Palestinians.

Though the plans Nasser found say the construction and renovations are meant to "protect the old city and maintain its character," the lawyer cast doubt on the intentions of the planners, saying it was likely the changes would disadvantage Palestinian quarters, and give greater access emphasis to elements of Jerusalem's Jewish heritage while bypassing the thousands of years of Palestinian and Islamic life in the city.

The Israeli project will include changes in major Christian and Muslim holy places in the old city, Nasser said. He pointed to specific projects at Damascus Gate, the Bab Khan Az-Zeit market, Al-Wadi alley, Al-Attarin (the spice dealers market), the Christian quarter's main souq, Saint Mitri road, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab square, Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief), Way of Prophets, Al-Ghawanma Gate, the Ethiopian Monastery street, and St Mark’s Monastery street.

After being shown the planning documents, Nasser said he checked with dozens of Jerusalem officials, shop owners whose locations will be modified under the plan and community centers, none of whom had been contacted, consulted or given the opportunity to contest the plans, he said.

Nasser warned that the plans would see the Old City turn into a "new Israeli city," and strip it of its Palestinian and Islamic identity.