Weekly Commentary: The Golanization of Jerusalem

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 17 September 2009

A few years ago the average Israeli's familiarity with the eastern portion
of Jerusalem was limited to the Western Wall and perhaps the Jewish Quarter
in the Old City. Silwan, located literally across the street from the
Temple Mount, could have been on the moon.

But that's no longer the situation.

Thanks to the City of David and other projects, rank and file Israelis of
all stripes are now familiar with eastern Jerusalem locations as prime
tourist spots.

Yes, there is the wonderful opportunity to see evidence of our ancient ties
to the city in these locatons, but it goes far beyond that. The aqueduct
tours, various Segway tours and a variety of other adventure activities has,
as my son puts it, "Golanized" the area in the minds of Israelis.

As a center for recreational vacations the Golan Heights is now much more
than just strategic real estate in the eyes of Israelis, hence the strong
opposition to a "land for peace treaty" deal with Syria.

The Golanization of Jerusalem has made schemes to turn Jerusalem into a
patchwork of sovereignties something that Oslophiles may still dream off but
not something that the Israeli electorate can stomach.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il