September 30: English Language Study Tour of East Jerusalem

On Friday, September 30, Ir Amim’s will be holding its next English-language study tour of East Jerusalem. The tour provides participants with ground-level exposure to Israel’s unilaterally annexed, eastern-half of the city and creates a platform for critically assessing the idea of Jerusalem as the “eternal, undivided capital of Israel” and understanding the city’s fundamental role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Jewish settlement in Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem

Jewish settlement in Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem (Photo: Activestills)

The tour route runs through East Jerusalem neighborhoods and utilizes key observation points to provide context for understanding how developing facts on the ground impact the future of a secure, democratic Israeli state. Participants learn about the formation of the city’s borders, the impact of building and construction and other policies influencing both daily life in the city and its political future: socio-economic disparities between east and west Jerusalem; security, political and humanitarian consequences of the Separation Barrier; and the geo-political ramifications of settlement building, road construction, national parks and touristic settlement.

The tour meeting point is the parking lot of Gan Hapa’amon (Liberty Bell Garden) in Jerusalem. It starts at 9:30 AM and lasts about four hours (via bus, with stops at observation points). The tour is free of charge but does require registering in advance (see link below) . Participants must be aged 18 and above and should bring along water, food and a sun hat.

Registration and other details