1. Jerusalem – A World City
The Challenge Jerusalem’s unique historical and spiritual standing, its wealth of cultural treasures, and its
holiness to Judaism, Islam and Christianity are known to be among the factors that make the
city great. Indeed, more than almost any other place in the world, Jerusalem is held high by
hundreds of millions of people. This highlights the fact that Jerusalem has considerable untapped
potential as a world city. Finding ways to strengthen its place in the world, as a city for all, would
advance Jerusalem in a host of positive ways. The challenge is to realize the potential inherent in
the city and turn Jerusalem into a world center of spirituality and interfaith dialogue, wisdom,
multiculturalism, and an extraordinary place to visit.
The Project Plan To examine ways to tap Jerusalem’s potential, cultivate it as a world »» city, and enhance visitors’
experiences there
»»To establish a multidisciplinary, interfaith forum for brainstorming ideas and ways to attain
the goals
»»To map the city’s physical, educational, organizational and other infrastructures, identifying
those that can contribute to its universal standing
»»To identify actors and groups (Jewish, other religious entities, foreign envoys, international
communities and organizations, etc.) that could hold broad-scale activities (conferences,
group tours, etc.) suited to boosting a universal Jerusalem
»»To undertake an economic analysis in this context and identify potential focus areas to
develop and reinforce
»»To formulate policy that would contribute to Jerusalem’s advancement as a city for all and
a source of inspiration
Anticipated Products »»A series of reports on different topics, including recommendations for policy and action
»»Activities: Seminars, roundtable meetings, and the dissemination of reports stemming from
this project
»»The creation of a new database, “Jerusalem as a World City”
Anticipated Impact »»The formulation of government and municipal policy aimed at strengthening Jerusalem’s
status as a world city
»»Reducing tensions between different groups in the city
»»Reinforcing the universal significance of Jerusalem
Lead Researchers Dr. Amnon Ramon, Prof. Yitzhak Reiter, Israel Kimhi, Lior Lehrs
Cost Reports, activities and database: $160,000 per year for 2 years
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.