This document outlines four proposed projects by the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies to study different aspects of life in Jerusalem and issues related to the city. The first project involves producing a series of reports on topics like education, health, housing, and transportation in Jerusalem. The second focuses on researching and supporting the Christian communities in Jerusalem. The third aims to draft proposals to help Israeli negotiators address the issue of Jerusalem in future negotiations with Palestinians. The fourth seeks to analyze legal status and quality of life issues facing residents in East Jerusalem.

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.

2. Jerusalem and the Christian World
The Challenge Jerusalem is exalted by hundreds of millions of Christians the world over, and indeed Christians
and the Christian world play a historic and central role in Jerusalem. The minarets that dot
the landscape indicate a physical presence, and Christianity’s influence can be felt in the many
religious, educational, health, welfare and cultural institutions that operate in and around the
city. Almost all the different Christian groups have a local presence, representing believers
around the world, and the different churches own prime real estate around the city. In addition,
pilgrims account for a significant proportion of tourism to Jerusalem and the holy sites. And
yet, the local Christian communities have been dwindling in recent years and are showing
signs of hardship. These communities’ status and welfare in Israel, Jerusalem particularly, are of
enormous importance to the Christian world and to that world’s relationship with Israel. The
challenge here is to foster the local Christian communities and strengthen the ties of hundreds
of millions of believers to Jerusalem.
The Project Plan A work group will be set up to investigate planning and policy concerning “Jerusalem and the
Christian World.” The team will map, monitor and research the local Christian communities,
churches and other Christian elements operating in the city; examine ways to foster, strengthen
and develop the diverse Christian communities in the city; formulate policy to strengthen the
relationship between the Christian world and Jerusalem; propose a framework for achieving
those aims; recommend strategy for encouraging pilgrim tourism to Jerusalem; and encourage
educational and interfaith activities and tolerance in the city.
Anticipated Products Periodic reports on the state of the Christian communities, churches »» and other bodies
operating in the Jerusalem metropolis
»» Policy papers aimed at fostering Israel’s bond with these communities and official entities,
and with the Christian world
»»Activities: Seminars, roundtable meetings and other activities aimed at broadening the
knowledge base about the different Christian communities in Jerusalem and promoting
interfaith dialogue.
Anticipated Impact »»Updated government policy to foster the Christian communities in the city
»» Increased pilgrim tourism to Jerusalem
Lead Researchers Dr. Amnon Ramon, Prof. Raymond Cohen, Hana Bendcowsky, Yaska Harani
Cost The cost of the project
(policy papers, reports, activities): $120,000 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.

3. The Israeli-Palestinian
Negotiations over Jerusalem
The Challenge Jerusalem is at the very core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the heart of the national,
religious and political discourse on both sides. This makes the need to find a way to resolve
the conflict vital. Indeed, there will be no peace agreement without resolving the thorny issues
regarding Jerusalem. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, however, it is difficult for the negotiators
to adequately prepare the topic of Jerusalem in advance of a possible new round of negotiations.
Therefore, we at JIIS believe it is incumbent upon us to assist in this complex task and that we
have the tools and experience to do so. The challenge here is to draft comprehensive proposals and
analyses for decision makers that include alternative scenarios and innovative ideas for resolving
the Jerusalem quagmire.
The Project Plan To draft a guide for Israeli negotiators that focuses on Jerusalem. The document »» will include:
background material on geography, demography and social issues; a mapping of the parties
that have interests in Jerusalem and an analysis of those interests; an outline of possible
alternative scenarios regarding Jerusalem for Israel to examine; and ramifications of the
different scenarios on life in the city. It will also include an analysis of previous negotiations
and lessons learned from them and – notably – an evaluation of possible steps to take in the
absence of an agreement.
»»To assess the viability of a “special regime” model for the Historic Basin (the Old City and
surrounding areas); this will be a joint endeavor with a Palestinian team. The teams will define
parameters of a joint special regime to operate in the Basin area in the framework of a peace
treaty; they will address municipal services, management of holy sites, security and economic
questions, and more.
Anticipated Products »»A negotiations guide aimed at the Israeli side, with a focus on topics pertaining to Jerusalem
»»A model of a special Israeli-Palestinian regime in the Old City and surroundings
Anticipated Impact »» Enriching the knowledge of the primary negotiators and other actors involved in the talks over
the future of Jerusalem. This will be done through documents, briefings and brainstorming
sessions with experts
»» Professional thorough preparations regarding possible alternative scenarios concerning
Jerusalem for Israel to examine
Lead Researchers Israel Kimhi, Prof. Yitzhak Reiter, Dr. Amnon Ramon, Prof. Ruth Lapidoth, Lior Lehrs,
Meir Kraus
Cost Negotiations guide (including briefings with decision makers/negotiators): $80,000
Special Regime model and associated activities (workshop, etc.)
with Israeli and Palestinian actors: $80,000
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.

4. East Jerusalem and Its Residents
The Challenge Some 300,000 people live in East Jerusalem. For the most part, they do not hold citizenship but rather
residency status. Poverty rates are high, educational achievements are low and infrastructures – water supply,
sewage, roads and sidewalks – are in a poor state. Moreover, difficulties in the area of land management make
planning and building works difficult. The challenge here is to improve the quality of life for the residents
of East Jerusalem.
The Project Plan This project will encompass several elements:
An analysis of the unique legal status (residency) of East Jerusalem residents and »» of processes associated
with citizenship, and policy recommendations
»»Mapping the neighborhoods: Creating a database with information on East Jerusalem’s 20-some
neighborhoods – their characteristics, social structure, education system, employment and infrastructures.
Proposals will be made to municipal-level decision makers regarding ways to improve services and
infrastructures in the urban/neighborhood space
»»Mapping and analyzing areas of tension and friction between Jewish and Arab residents of Jerusalem
(Mount Zion, Sheikh Jarrah, etc.) and evaluating regulations that impact on the fabric of life
»»Roundtable meetings with the participation of JIIS researchers, professionals and experts in the field,
and policy planners. They will explore and evaluate the issues and problems pertaining to daily life in
East Jerusalem (water supply, education, welfare, transportation, etc.) at the municipal and national
levels and formulate recommendations for change.
Anticipated Products »»A policy paper will be published that presents an analysis of the situation regarding residency status for
East Jerusalem‘s Arab residents and recommendations for improving the situation
»»Neighborhood reports outlining local challenges
»» Policy recommendations for easing tensions in areas of conflict and improving the management of
daily life
»»As an outcome of the roundtable meetings and other activities, policymakers will be presented with
a detailed description of the situation in East Jerusalem, particularly problem areas, with the goal that
policy will be amended to facilitate improvements
Anticipated Impact »» Shaping municipal and national policy for improving the quality of life in East Jerusalem at the
“macro”-municipal level and the more “micro” level (that is, the different neighborhoods) and proposing
an appropriate allocation of resources
»»Defining government policy regarding residency status and requests for citizenship
Lead Researchers Dr. Amnon Ramon, Israel Kimhi, Dr. Maya Choshen, Prof. Yitzhak Reiter, Lior Lehrs
Cost »» Publication on residency status: $90,000
»» Policy paper on friction areas: $60,000
»»Neighborhood reports: $60,000 per report
»» 10 roundtable meetings + a Final Report on those meetings: $50,000
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.

5. 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.

6. Changes to the Ultra-Orthodox
Population in Jerusalem
The Challenge Israeli society, and the ultra-orthodox (haredi) sector itself, face the important challenge of
finding ways to integrate the ultra-orthodox more actively into society while maintaining the
community’s traditions and unique lifestyle. Jerusalem reflects a microcosm of Israeli society in
this context: with a haredi population of around 200,000 (40% of the city’s Jewish population),
issues such as education, labor and the ability to work, welfare and poverty, geographical
distribution and so on must be addressed as municipal – not sectorial – matters. These issues
trigger profound questions about identity and values, integration and isolation, values and
beliefs. In the last decade, Jerusalem has seen seeds of change emerge among its haredi residents
regarding vocational training and higher education, employment and entrepreneurship. The
changing reality requires both a deep understanding of the haredi sector and the development
of new tools to help the authorities define policy. The challenge is to integrate the ultra-orthodox
into the fabric of life in Jerusalem in a way that can contribute to the community’s and the city’s
prosperity and growth.
The Project Plan To map, assess and analyze changes in attitudes and behavior among the ultra-orthodox in
several defined focus areas, including haredi access to vocational training/higher education,
and consequently earning ability, in Jerusalem; the local labor market; haredi entrepreneurship
and consumer patterns, and so on.
Anticipated Products Research papers (including policy recommendations) in 5 main areas:
The haredi family economy and »» consumer patterns
»»Vocational training and higher education
»» Employment and business entrepreneurship
»»Distribution of the haredi population in Jerusalem
»»Changes in haredi education
Anticipated Impact »» Enriching knowledge and awareness among those shaping and implementing policy
regarding the changes taking place among the city’s haredi population
»»The creation of infrastructure and knowledge for shaping urban policy that will contribute
to the integration of this sector into broader society, contributing to the city’s prosperity
Lead Researchers Prof. Amiram Gonen, Dr. Maya Choshen, Israel Kimhi, Rabbi Bezalel Cohen, Dr. Gilad Malach,
Dr. Lee Kahaner
Cost The cost of each report: $40,000
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.

7. Employment in Jerusalem
The Challenge The situation regarding the nature and range of employment opportunities in Jerusalem
highlights an economic weak spot. As the country’s capital and the center of government, the
city has a large proportion of public-sector workers and an under-representation of the industrial
and financial sectors. This impacts on employment opportunities for young people and on per-capita
income rates. The situation is compounded by a relatively low workforce participation
rate of ultra-orthodox men and Arab women in the city. The challenge is to develop a diverse
labor market that will raise levels of participation of all social groups, thereby contributing to
individual and Jerusalem’s collective prosperity.
The Project Plan To identify and analyze weaknesses in the current structure of employment/the workforce
in Jerusalem; seek potential branches of growth; discern (and defuse) specific social groups’
barriers to participation in the labor market; define policy tools for attracting and developing
certain fields of employment to the city; locate lands and structures that can be used for broad-scale
employment; and identify and encourage new branches of employment in Jerusalem.
Anticipated Products A detailed report for the government and the municipality »» for advancing the local workforce.
The report will include recommendations for diversifying the labor market and boosting
participation rates, and plans for creating new areas of employment.
Anticipated Impact Adoption of the report by the Jerusalem Municipality and the government will generate new
employment-related policy that will stimulate a diversity of labor-related branches in the city,
encourage broad participation in the labor market and contribute to work opportunities for
young people.
Lead Researchers Dr. Dan Kaufmann, Israel Kimhi, Lior Regev
Cost Report on the local workforce: $60,000
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.

8. Affordable Housing for Young People
The Challenge Many young people, whether they were born in Jerusalem or moved from elsewhere in Israel,
live in the city while acquiring a higher education – but then leave. Among the reasons for this
trend, which has been growing for some years, is the difficulty in finding affordable housing
due to the high price of real estate in the city generally and the lack of small apartments suited
to first-time buyers. The challenge is to boost the availability of such apartments, which would
serve as an incentive for young educated people to remain in the city.
The Project Plan JIIS will assess existing policy regarding the allocation of public lands; identify lands that are
suitable for the construction of affordable housing on a broad scale in the Jerusalem metropolis;
examine ways to lower the price of real estate; suggest a range of apartment sizes, based on
demand; develop strategies for advancing urban renewal projects; and make recommendations
regarding land allocation policy, planning and pricing of new apartments.
Anticipated Products A policy paper regarding affordable housing in the city will be drafted. The paper will address
the issue of suitable lands for this purpose and include planning and policy recommendations
pertaining to the character of “affordable housing” – who the target population is, how to lower
prices for that population, planning and construction issues, etc. it will also suggest ways the
municipality and the government can manage and implement the proposed policy.
Anticipated Impact A significant change in municipal and government policy regarding »» construction in
Jerusalem
»»A rise in the availability of affordable housing units
»»The provision of incentives for young people to build their lives in the city after attaining
an education there
Lead Researchers Israel Kimhi, Yair Assaf-Shapira, Dr. Dan Kaufmann
Cost Policy paper on affordable housing: $60,000
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.

9. Development of the High-Tech
Industries in Jerusalem
The Challenge Jerusalem is well-suited to knowledge-based industries. Its many higher education institutes,
major hospitals and other elements can be tapped to provide a broad base for the development
of high-tech, biotech, new media and other such fields. These would then serve as economic
growth engines and sources of employment for skilled and professional workers who might
otherwise leave the city due to the current lack of suitable employment opportunities. The
challenge is to develop and expand high-tech industries and find ways to attract companies to
base their operations in the city.
The Project Plan To monitor the high-tech companies operating in the city today, examine »» their size (number
of employees, etc.), range and type of activities, development possibilities, and so on
»»To examine existing government policy tools that encourage such industries, assess their
influence and recommend improvements
»»To assess companies’ considerations for establishing themselves in Jerusalem, including
location and other factors, and propose policy tools to meet their needs
Anticipated Products »»An annual report on the progress of the biotech industry in Jerusalem and the formulation
of policy recommendations for its advancement
»»An annual report on the development of local high-tech industries and the formulation of
policy recommendations for their advancement
»»An annual report on the development of new media and the formulation of relevant policy
recommendations
Anticipated Impact »»An increased number of companies in high-tech/knowledge-based industries in Jerusalem,
and with that a rise in the number of employed persons in those industries
»» Influencing the adoption of municipal and government policy tools for advancing these
industries in Jerusalem
Lead Researchers Dr. Dan Kaufmann, Yamit Naftali
Cost Comprehensive reports on the different industries
in Jerusalem and recommendations: $60,000 per report
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.

10. Development of the Tourism
Industry in Jerusalem
The Challenge Jerusalem has the potential to be a major player in the world of tourism. In 2013, it hosted over
2.3 million visitors and registered 9 million overnight stays in hotels. Those figures could be
significantly increased – indeed, tourism can, and should, constitute a major growth engine
for Jerusalem. The challenge therefore is to realize that potential, with a target goal of 5 million
tourists annually by the end of the present decade.
The Project Plan The project will entail:
An annual report outlining and evaluating features of the tourism industry »» in Jerusalem
»»An examination of tourism-related infrastructures in the city: the planning and construction
of hotels and other accommodations; services; accessibility to sites; the overall experience
of tourists; and more. Suggestions for improvement and policy recommendations will be
included here.
»» Surveys and questionnaires distributed to tourists and tourism professionals will enable
input “from the field” in order to assess the current situation and propose improvements
and development
»»New markets and new modes of marketing tourism in Jerusalem will also be identified.
Anticipated Products An annual report, titled “Tourism in Jerusalem,” will outline the major aspects of this industry
in the city and include policy recommendations for its further advancement, development, and
management.
Anticipated Impact »»Accelerated development of accommodations and infrastructure in the city
»» Improvements to major tourist sites, including accessibility
»» Improvements to the overall tourism experience
»»An increase in the number of tourists to Jerusalem
Lead Researchers Israel Kimhi, Lior Regev, Omer Yaniv
Cost Tourism in Jerusalem report: $80,000
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.

11. The Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem
The Challenge Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, is the largest, most unique and diverse of all Israel’s cities. As
the epicenter of the country’s policy and decision making, there is a vital need for a strong
infrastructure of information that allows one to investigate the city, its trends and changes,
from as many perspectives as possible. JIIS has been working on this infrastructure, or rather
database, for almost 30 years, publishing its updated figures annually in the Statistical Yearbook
of Jerusalem. The challenge has always been, and remains, to access the latest information and
present the most comprehensive and reliable picture of the city possible. That information can
then, in turn, be used to compare Jerusalem to other cities in Israel.
The Project Plan The Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem is a “live” research project, with the information it
embodies changing all the time. The database contains information on all aspects of life in
the city: population and migration; socioeconomics and welfare; the labor force, businesses
and industry; environment; infrastructure and services, construction and housing; transport;
education and culture; health; and more. The data are presented for Jerusalem in all these
spheres, and then compared with other cities in the country, providing an all-Israel picture as
well. The Yearbook comprises tables, graphs, diagrams and maps.
Anticipated Products »»The Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem is available in English and Hebrew, online and in hard
copy (it can be downloaded at no charge via the JIIS web site)
»»The Yearbook has a companion volume, Jerusalem: Facts and Trends, which presents a concise
picture of the main trends outlined in the Yearbook in all fields. Facts and Trends is also
available in English and Hebrew, online and in hard copy.
Anticipated Impact The Yearbook is widely recognized as a vital tool for research on Jerusalem by decision makers
in a host of fields, the media, scholars, students, and the public alike, in Israel and abroad. It
has earned a reputation of excellence for the reliable and up-to-date information it shares
regarding the different spheres of life in Jerusalem, and serves as the basis of city planning by
the Municipality of Jerusalem.
Lead Researchers Dr. Maya Choshen
Cost Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem: $180,000 per year
Jerusalem: Facts and Trends: $30,000 per year
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.
JERUSALEM: FACTS AND TRENDS
Maya Choshen
Michal Korach
Inbal Doron
Yael Israeli
Yair Assaf-Shapira
JERUSALEM: FACTS AND TRENDS 2013
JERUSALEM INSTITUTE
FOR ISRAEL STUDIES
M. Choshen, M. Korach, I. Doron, Y. Israeli, Y. Assaf-Shapira
2013

12. The Demographic Challenge
The Challenge Jerusalem has over 800,000 residents, who fall into 3 main population groups: secular and
orthodox Jews, ultra-orthodox Jews, and Arabs. The city has suffered from a negative migration
balance for quite a number of years; moreover, it is predominantly the higher socioeconomic
groups and young educated people that opt to leave the city. This is affecting Jerusalem’s social
and economic fabric, the balance between the different communities that live there, and
indeed the character of the city. The challenge here is to find ways to make Jerusalem attractive
to strong socioeconomic groups and young people and inject new life into the city, thereby
strengthening it.
The Project Plan To examine the motives for migrating away from, »» or to, Jerusalem, based on the
socioeconomic features of those who leave or move to the city, and to formulate relevant
policy recommendations
»»To prepare a population forecast for Jerusalem that looks ahead to 2040 (at 5-year intervals),
based on the city’s diverse communities
»»To assess the characteristics and needs of the city’s middle class as a basis for urban planning
and policy that will strengthen its bond with the city
Anticipated Products »»A detailed population forecast for Jerusalem that looks toward 2040
»»A report outlining the reasons people leave or move to Jerusalem, including policy
recommendations
»» Policy recommendations that will encourage the presence of stronger socioeconomic groups
in the city
Anticipated Impact »»The implementation of revised municipal and national policy to stem the tide of migration
away from Jerusalem of strong socioeconomic groups and young people – and indeed to
encourage those groups to move to the city
»»The 2040 Forecast will serve as the basis of all municipal planning in the fields of housing,
transport, education, employment and more
Lead Researchers Dr. Maya Choshen, Israel Kimhi
Cost »» 2040 Forecast for Jerusalem: $160,000
»»Report on Migration to and from Jerusalem: $80,000
»»Report proposing how to strengthen the presence
of stronger socioeconomic groups in Jerusalem: $60,000
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.

13. Urban Sustainability in Jerusalem
The Challenge The world has become “urbanized,” with more than half of the global population living in urban
settings today – and this trend is likely to continue. In Israel this figure is much higher: 90%
of the population lives in urban enclaves, which is well reflected in consumption patterns and
levels of pollution. At the same time, there are advantages to having large concentrations of
people in given areas: they often share patterns of behavior and can, collectively, change their
attitudes to issues such as efficient exploitation of resources and environmental problems to
give an end-result of more sustainable lifestyles. This project will take Jerusalem, Israel’s largest
city, as a case study for promoting urban sustainability around the country. It will incorporate
sociological and behavioral science aspects as well as environmental theories. The challenge
is to build models for a sustainable lifestyle that will improve the long-term quality of life in
Jerusalem and, based on those models, Israel.
The Project Plan To identify the relevant fields affecting urban »» sustainability
»»To define goals and indicators for measuring progress towards urban sustainability in the
coming years
»»To outline a vision for Jerusalem as a sustainable city, drawing on existing models from
other cities that promote such a lifestyle. Thus, Jerusalem will serve as the “pilot city” for
urban sustainability in Israel
Anticipated Products »»Detailed reports and periodic updates presenting experts’ assessments on the main
components of sustainable lifestyles in the city
»»A Final Report will include recommendations for short- and long-term policy measures
Anticipated Impact The Final Report will be presented to government officials, the mayor, policymakers and other
professionals. Adoption of the project’s findings by the Jerusalem Municipality and/or the
government will suggest a new attitude toward policy that will ultimately advance sustainable
lifestyles in Jerusalem and around Israel. The project will also have implications for local
industry and the business sector.
Lead Researchers Tami Gavrieli, Valerie Brachya, Galit Raz-Dror
Cost Cost of the project: $90,000
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.