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Population Trends in Jerusalem's Old City

(Jerusalem Post) - According to the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, the proportion of Jews in Jerusalem's Old City increased from 8.6% (2,802) in 1995 to 11.3% (3,800) in 2002. Most of the Jewish growth has been in the "Muslim Quarter," which now houses 800 Jews. Out of 32,488 people living in the Old City, 70% were Muslim and 20% were Christian. Out of 879 dunams of land, 24% is owned by the Islamic Wakf, 28% by Muslims, 29% by Christians, and 19% by Jews. Christians are leaving in the face of increasing Islamic fundamentalism. They feel there is no room for them as Christian Palestinians because they are not accepted by Muslims. This reflects a nationwide trend. Although 40% of the Jews who returned to the Old City after 1967 were secular, today the Jewish population is 70% Haredi (ultra-Orthodox), 25% Orthodox, and 5% secular.
2002-07-16 00:00:00
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