1. Perspectives on Jerusalem:
A Series of Reports
The Challenge Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, the spiritual center of the Jewish people, and a city of the
world. It is home to over 800,000 people (more than 10% of the country’s population), most
of whom belong to three main – and very diverse – population groups: secular and orthodox
Jews, ultra-orthodox Jews, and Arabs. Jerusalem faces many challenges in all matters, and these
have an impact on life in the city and its prosperity. The unique complexities found here make
it vital that Jerusalem be examined in a thorough and ongoing manner – only in this way can an
up-to-date picture of the different aspects of the city be maintained; then, recommendation of
policy changes can be made that are timely and appropriate. The challenge here is to create an
ongoing series of reports that address life in Jerusalem from different perspectives, the ultimate
goal being to make Jerusalem a better place for all its residents, and indeed for all those who
hold it dear.
The Project Plan To produce a series of progress reports/evaluations on different aspects of life in Jerusalem:
education, welfare, population, health, public security, employment, industry, trade, culture,
planning and construction, housing, environment, transport, infrastructures, and more. The
reports will provide an overview and relevant data, including ongoing comparisons that will
indicate where challenges lie and enable a prediction of future long-term trends. The information
will be gathered from a range of reliable sources.
Anticipated Products A series of 12 reports, each focusing on a different sphere of life in Jerusalem. Each year, 4
reports will be published, and the topics will be updated for publication every 3 years, showing
clearly the changing trends and progress. The reports will comprise a qualitative and quantitative
picture of life in the city, using tables, graphs and maps, and including analyses.
Anticipated Impact The progress reports will be presented to decision makers and policy setters at all levels
(community, municipal, national and international), as well as the public. They will facilitate
decision-making processes and promote change where needed. The series of reports will help
strengthen the city and advance its unique character.
Lead Researchers Dr. Maya Choshen, Israel Kimhi, Dr. Dan Kaufmann, Tami Gavrieli
Cost Each report: $50,000
12 reports (4 per year x 3 years): $600,000
The Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies (founded in 1978) is an independent,
non-profit think tank, which has been engaged in the study of Jerusalem since its
inception. JIIS research covers a vast range of areas of life in Jerusalem: population,
economy, education, culture, tourism, environment, and more. Key to our success is
our closely guarded integrity, independence, and quality.