The Classic City of Jerusalem is experiencing a palpable sense of unease as the prospect of wider regional conflict looms, impacting daily life and business for residents. Mohammed Liftawi, who runs two shops selling clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs, reports days without a single sale, a stark contrast to the bustling tourist trade the area typically relies upon.
“Jerusalem is very empty,” Liftawi said, gesturing to the quiet streets near Jaffa Gate and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. “We have no tourists, we have nothing. They have fled because of the war.” He added, “To be honest, from what I hear, yes I think so. I think there will be another war. And nobody likes war.”
Not all residents share Liftawi’s apprehension. Moshe Cohen, 23, expressed a desire for immediate military action against Iran. “I hope it starts in a few days,” Cohen stated, arguing that Iran’s financial support for groups like Hamas necessitates a decisive response. “Because they give all the money to Gaza, to Hamas. Everything comes from them. It’s a lot of money. So you have to take off the head and make the world a better place.” He believes Israel should act even without U.S. Involvement, stating, “If they [the Americans] don’t want to, then we’ll have to go first.”
Khalil Al-daqaq, whose family has operated a shop near the Holy Church for decades, offered a more cautious perspective. “Trade is bad, but we are surviving,” he said. “It could be worse. I’m a very optimistic person. In this country, you have to be.” He acknowledged the tension, noting, “It’s tense here. Unexpectedly. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming days. Or the next hour. Some people are really scared, but you know – what will happen, will happen.” Al-daqaq lamented the perceived disregard for ordinary citizens by those in power, stating, “We’re just numbers to them.”
Yaakov Simcha, a 21-year-old student from New Jersey studying Torah in Jerusalem, expressed a sense of acceptance regarding the unfolding events. “I have no idea. I’m not nervous or anything. I believe in God, and I believe that whatever he wants to happen is going to happen. And so, you know, I think his plan is going to perform,” Simcha said. “Whatever happens, happens. It’s his plan. I’m just going to sit back and continue my studies.”
As reported by Sky News, the situation in Jerusalem is described as “tense” as the region braces for potential escalation.
