City of Jerusalem

This book is centered on the political and economic mechanisms practiced by Israel in East Jerusalem over the last decade. These mechanisms reinforce occupation and keep Jerusalem's Palestinians subjugated through co-optation into the Israeli system. Analysis is polarized on the changes wrought during the mayoralty of Nir Barkat (2008–2018), who came into politics from the business world and introduced management concepts to the workings of municipal government. While Barkat succeeded in creating the illusion of a 'new era' in eastern Jerusalem, the result is heartbreaking displacement and vulnerability toward East Jerusalem's residents, and the application of urban planning that impacts negatively on residents' legal status. Dr Margalit presents a profound sociological and economic analysis of a city under a 'normalised' occupation which has destroyed the very essence of what Jerusalem stands for: a reflection of diverse religious belief within a multicultural setting, where citizens' rights are upheld and not discriminated against for political purpose.