A City Trip to Jerusalem - Fascinating Yet More Complex Reality

I have rarely visited a city more complex and fascinating than Jerusalem, or the "city with 70 names". It is August 2010, and I am in town for four days to roam around the old districts and soak up the atmosphere. Before, I stayed in Tel Aviv, a city so modern, liberal, trendy and dynamic you would not say it is located so close to Jerusalem. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are like day and night difference, also in terms of location and surroundings - the ocean and beaches at Tel Aviv versus the nearby mountains in Jerusalem. Let me take you into Jerusalem and show you why you should visit this city some day.

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Beautiful structure of the Dome of Rock

Open the doors to look inside, for you!

Jerusalem, a city so rich with history it hurts your eyes!

Extremely diverse. Overflowing with history. This historic city is a world on its own, with such great religious diversity. It is home to Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians, monks and rabbis, but also everything in between. Religion is important here and you will notice it everywhere (in contrast to Tel Aviv). The town is holy to Muslims, Jews and Christians, which makes it unique.

The Holy Structures of the Three Monotheistic Faiths

Go and visit the Temple Mount complex, which has both the Dome of the Rock and the golden beautiful Al-Aqsa Mosque, holy to Islam, and the Western Wall, holy to Judaism on a very small area of land (barely a square km). It is like looking at the world but in a very small and dense area, some sort of microcosm of different religions. Most tourists are able to visit all sides, so it gives an intricate view of all three religions.

Is Jerusalem safe?!

Travel to Israel, and in fact Jerusalem, is safe at most times. I would however avoid public bus lines in Jerusalem, and the light rail network, as there have been a number of violent incidents in public transport (and near public transport) in Jerusalem. Be careful whenever you move around. Jerusalem is a very old city that can get very crowded, and there are certainly some terror threats in some parts of the city. Minimize safety risks by avoiding large crowds, and especially during demonstrations or religious prayers (which at times spark new fights). For the rest, go ahead and visit this amazing city. You won't regret it.

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