Weekly Commentary: The Golanization of Jerusalem

Dr. Aaron Lerner
IMRA
17 September 2009

(I appreciate the sentiment but will not sleep assured. We need to remain vigilant not only here, but also for the Golan.YH)

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.
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