Jerusalem Notebook

Blog Posts

The West Side Story An “Ecumenical” Friendship in Mandate Palestine, Ruptured by Politics

A fascinating biographical account of an intimate interfaith friendship among five young adults in Mandate Palestine. A book review.

Who Are the Palestinians of Jerusalem? In the Presence of Mahmoud Shukair

We pay a visit to a master storyteller in his lifelong Jerusalem home.

Spiritual and Religious Life George Sahhar: Attending Easter in Jerusalem Is a Commitment to Preserve the City’s Living Mosaic

“Everybody will be able to come to Jerusalem from anywhere they want and celebrate in Jerusalem.”

One East Jerusalem Neighborhood Boasts Two Muay Thai Champions

Meet the Palestinian champions of the martial art and combat sport of Muay Thai in East Jerusalem.

Health and Health Care Tending the Seam: Psychiatrist Dr. Samah Jabr Holds Together Hope

Jerusalem psychiatrist Samah Jabr, chair of the Palestinian Authority’s Mental Health Unit, sees tending to mental health as one path to liberation.

A Grandmother Realizes Her Dream, Becoming the First Female Bus Driver in East Jerusalem

Meet Samia Abu ‘Alqam, a Palestinian grandmother who turned her love of driving into a paid job, driving the Shu‘fat–Beit Hanina bus

Juggling with Life in Jerusalem

Street circus artist Ahmad Ju‘beh opens up about how he came to find his calling and what it means to him.