Jerusalem residents express opposing views over dividing capital
Amid vociferous debate over the geopolitical implications of erecting a concrete wall between warring Arab and Jewish communities in the capital, Jerusalem residents expressed strongly opposing views on Monday over whether the united model of the capital remains viable.
Less than one day after the controversial 5-meter-high barrier was placed between Armon Hanatziv and Jebl Mukaber, which has become a hotbed for terrorism, a cross section of Israelis remained equally divided over the prospect of permanently separating east and west Jerusalem.
While Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat – who spearheaded the initiative four days after a deadly terrorist attack where the communities intersect – emphasized that the security measure is temporary, the debate has grown increasingly acrimonious.
Indeed, human rights groups and left-wing politicians say that the separation represents a violation of Palestinian rights.
Asked if the model of a unified Jerusalem has failed, Iris Millgram, a middle-aged Israeli woman, said that while the city has never truly been united, walling off Jews and Arabs should not be a consideration.
“I don’t think that there is supposed to be a wall between us,” said Millgram, near Zion Square. “I think putting up a wall between two parts of the city is crazy because we work together, we are combined. I have Arab workers working for me in my house; it cannot be this way. They cannot live without us, and maybe we cannot live without them.”