jerusalem tourist info

Destroyed and rebuilt over thousands of years, Jerusalem's spiritual magnetism endures. With interlacing histories, clashing cultures and constant reinvention, the city is an intense, multisensory experience.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Four magnificent arches, their lintels richly decorated with Crusader crosses, herald the entrance to one of Christianity's most sacred sites. The church…

Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif

There are few patches of ground as holy – or as disputed – as this one. Known to Muslims as Al Haram Ash Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as Har…

Western Wall

The air is electric at Judaism's holiest prayer site, where worshippers recite scriptures, lay their hands on 2000-year-old stone and utter impassioned…

Israel Museum

More than 5000 years of cultural treasures are assembled around the vast Israel Museum's indoor and outdoor galleries. Highlights are the titanic statues…

City of David

East Jerusalem

As teeming with controversy as it is with ancient history, the City of David is one of Jerusalem's most active archaeological sites. The oldest part of…

Israel's official memorial to the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis is powerful, poignant and a masterpiece of design. The museum's name…

Dome of the Rock

The jewel in the crown of Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif is the gold-plated Dome of the Rock, the enduring symbol of the city and one of the most…

Mahane Yehuda Market

All of Jerusalem meets in Mahane Yehuda, from first-time visitors to residents filling their trolleys with fruit and veg. Market tables are laden with…

Latest stories from Jerusalem

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Lonely Planet Local Miriam Berger is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem. She’s spent time in the city at different points throughout her life and…

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Jerusalem   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Jerusalem

Jerusalem is suspended between many different crosshairs. First and foremost, it serves as the Holy City for the three primary western religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The narrow streets and alleyways that make up the labyrinth-like Old City reverberate with the sounds of spirituality. Whispered Hebrew prayers uttered by tefillin -clad Jews at the Western Wall mingle with the hauntingly beautiful Muslim call-to-prayer sounding from Temple Mount . The voices from the Jewish and Muslim quarters are then accompanied by melodic bells sounding from the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre . For many visitors, the rumor of a constant Almighty presence suddenly becomes very real; even the most adamant non-believer will find it hard to deny that there's something ethereal about Jerusalem.

While the image of ancient Jerusalem—a city still ruled by King David and his followers—is what most travelers expect, you'll find instead a destination in flux. Beyond the historic walls of the Old City lies a buzzing metropolis where traditional lifestyles collide with cosmopolitan developments. West Jerusalem is littered with trendy restaurants and bars, while East Jerusalem resonates with the cries of market vendors. The city's diverse offerings have transformed Jerusalem from a pilgrimage spot to a well-rounded vacation destination. So whatever your reason for visiting, you can be sure that this is a city you’ll never forget.

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Best of Jerusalem

Best hotels in jerusalem.

• in American Colony Hotel The Leading Hotels of the World
• in The David Citadel Hotel
• in Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem

Best Things to Do in Jerusalem

• # 1 in Old City
• # 2 in Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
• # 3 in Israel Museum

Popular Tours

Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

(747 reviews)

from $ 111.00

Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

(270 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Travel To Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River - Group Guided Tour from Jerusalem

(127 reviews)

from $ 89.00

Jerusalem Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Jerusalem are April through May and October through November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin. However, make sure to cross-check your travel dates with major Jewish celebrations such as the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Passover. A strong surge of visitor traffic drives hotel prices up during these holidays. Summer is Jerusalem's peak tourism season, despite sweltering daytime temps. Winters boast good deals on hotels, but the weather remains fickle: One day can be sunny and fairly warm, while the next can be rainy and chilly.

Weather in Jerusalem

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• You're safe in tourist areas In Jerusalem, differing ideological views regularly spur heated religious and political debates, which have occasionally led to violent outbursts in the past. But aggressive instances are rare and do not take place in tourist areas.
• Be respectful This city is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, meaning you should be considerate of traditions and conform to the more conservative dress code. Save your shorts and tank tops for Tel Aviv .
• Stock up for the weekend Many of Jerusalem's businesses and restaurants (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) close for the Sabbath. Make sure to buy all food or other need-to-have items by Friday afternoon.

How to Save Money in Jerusalem

• Avoid major holidays Jerusalem's prices skyrocket during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover (March or April), Sukkot (September or October), and the High Holy Days ( fall). You'll find better deals if you avoid these holidays.
• Don't stay in West Jerusalem Hotels in West Jerusalem are more modern and more expensive. You'll find better rates within the Old City , but be prepared for possible nighttime curfews. East Jerusalem also has affordable lodging, but try to stay close to Damascus or Herod's Gate for convenience's sake.
• Rely on street eats Jerusalem has its fair share of swanky restaurants, but you can save some shekels by relying on food carts and markets for a good meal. Vendors throughout the city sell everything from bagels to falafel at a reasonable price, while the Mahane Yehuda market in West Jerusalem is a go-to spot for fresh produce.

Culture & Customs

Jerusalem acts as the Holy City by the three major Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This mingling of spirituality has led to a mélange of culture. For example, you’ll hear a multi-lingual soundtrack on a stroll through the Old City ; Hebrew and Arabic are the dominant languages, but you'll also catch whispers of Yiddish and other languages. Many Israelis, especially those working in the food and hospitality industries, also speak English.

Many Jerusalem residents still fervently following guidelines listed in their bible. You will witness some of these customs during your visit. For example, Jews and Muslims do not eat pork; therefore, if you get a craving for ham and cheese, you'll be out of luck. Many restaurants throughout Jerusalem, particularly in Jewish neighborhoods, maintain a kosher menu, meaning they observe strict religious rules about food consumption and preparation. But chances are that you won't give this a second thought as you thumb through a menu. Also, many businesses (especially in the Old City) close during the weekend to honor the various sabbaths. Jewish establishments close their doors on Friday afternoon and don't open again until Saturday night or Sunday morning. Many Christian businesses are closed on Sundays. All of these businesses—no matter their affiliation—accept Shekels (ILS), Israel's official currency.

You'll also encounter a variety of clothing styles, from the heavy black attire and wide-brimmed hats worn of Haredi Jews to the lighter, more casual tunics sported of Arab merchants. Keep in mind you should dress more conservatively in Jerusalem. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, especially if you plan to visit the city's religious sites. Note that the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Me'a She'arim (just northwest of the Old City) requires extremely conservative attire, such as long sleeves, ankle-length skirts, and covered heads, as well as very modest behavior.

In the decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contention over the city’s ownership has resulted in violent outbursts, most notably riots. That said, visitors should not feel threatened, as these incidents usually do not take place in tourist areas. You will likely come across a large number of Israeli soldiers, but don't let that alarm you: Many of these soldiers are tourists, just like you. You may also encounter armed guards performing security screenings at the Old City gates at night.

Getting Around Jerusalem

The best ways to get around Jerusalem are on foot or by taxi. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of one another inside or just beyond the Old City walls. When you're looking to expand your stomping grounds, taxis are extremely convenient (albeit a little pricey). The transportation company, Egged, provides public bus service within the city and many points around the country. Egged also services Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), about 38 miles northwest of Jerusalem on the outskirts of Tel Aviv . However, the bus system isn't intuitive for foreign visitors. Travelers usually will have better luck with the new light rail system, which opened in 2011.

Entry & Exit Requirements

The Israeli government does not require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your arrival, but many airlines do. You will also need to show a return or onward ticket and sufficient proof of funds to enter the country. Expect heightened security screenings at the airport; the Israeli government has been known to deny travelers entry based on background checks. The government will also deny entry to anyone looking to travel to the West Bank or Gaza. You can learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website .

This stunning domed shrine resides on Temple Mount .

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Introducing Jerusalem

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Jerusalem Travel Guide

With over 3,000 years of history, Israel’s largest city and the spiritual centre of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions, Jerusalem is a truly unique destination. Nestled in the Judean Hills on the edge of the desert, for centuries the so-called Golden City has stood as the most worshipped, fought-over and loved city in the world. Its different inhabitants have given Jerusalem a cultural and religious make-up like nowhere else on the planet.

Defying the ravages of conflict, invading armies and the passing of centuries, Jerusalem’s architecture is remarkably well preserved. Visitors first get to know the fabled Old City enclosing within its eight magnificent gates and walls a living museum of religious buildings, busy markets, cobbled alleys and diverse faiths. Within the grand 16th-century ramparts are four quarters dating back to the major communities living here in the 19th century: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim.

Each quarter has its sights and sensations. One minute you’ll be idling in a tranquil Armenian garden; the next, lost in the bustle of an Arab souk. The Western Wall at the foot of the Temple Mount is all that survives of the Jewish Temple and remains Judaism's most holy place.

For Orthodox and Catholic Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to enclose the sites of Jesus’ Crucifixion and burial. The beautiful gilded Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount is one of the oldest Islamic works of architecture.

Predominantly Arab, East Jerusalem is a 19th-century neighbourhood lying north of the Old City with busy street markets, food stalls and cafes. To the east of this area is the Mount of Olives, with its large Jewish cemetery and the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion.

Although Jerusalem is one of the world’s most historic cities, this doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Beyond the Old City, the centre of Jerusalem is characterised by broad avenues, busy pedestrian streets, squares, cafés, restaurants and a vivacious nightlife. Large government buildings stand within manicured lawns, while the world-class university sits atop Mount Scopus with views over the Judean Mountains.

For all Jerusalem’s contention and problems, life here goes on. With its temperate Middle-Eastern climate, extraordinary historical sites and world-class museums, it remains a compelling destination steeped in contrasts between ancient and contemporary, east and west.

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Situated in an elevated position, this landmark hotel is one of Israel's most luxurious and prestigious hotels, boasting a guest list of world leaders, royalty and celebrities. The majestic King David was built in the 1930s and has all modern facilities, with fine views towards the Old City. It’s also a historic building in its own right – in 1946 when used during the British mandate as the British Army HQ, it was the scene of a dramatic anti-British bombing by militant Zionists.

Harmony Hotel

The Harmony Hotel is part of the fast-growing Atlas chain. With a bright and very kitsch chic atmosphere, it makes for an unusual stay in the Holy City. It is located in the trendy and historic Nahalat Shiva neighbourhood, a short 10-minute walk to the Old City, and with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It offers spacious, funky rooms designed by local artists, an impressive breakfast, and excellent views from the roof.

Prima Royale Hotel

Outside the Old City and close to Jerusalem’s Downtown Triangle, Prima Royale is an affordable and attractive hotel with one special draw: its goal of introducing guests to Jerusalem’s artistry. Each floor is dedicated to a specific artist, writer, or poet who drew inspiration from the city. Classical music plays in the morning, and jazz serenades you in the afternoon. The breakfast is also delicious.

Hashimi Hotel

The Old City’s ‘newest’ hotel is set in a 400-year-old building right in the heart of the Old City. It’s the perfect base to explore the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall and Jerusalem’s many other famous sights. The 40 rooms are spread over three floors and the rooftop terrace overlooks some of the best views in town.

David Citadel Hotel

This modern 385-room hotel is a short walk from both the Old City and the new city centre and is just around the corner from the trendy Mamilla Mall. A standout feature is the terrace overlooking the pool, a great spot to indulge in Israel’s trademark big breakfast while gazing over the city. After a day’s sightseeing, the L’Occitane spa is a tranquil spot for a restorative massage.

Little House in Bakah

Set in a renovated 1930s Ottoman-style mansion in the old Bakah neighbourhood, this 33-room boutique property is big on charm with its high ceilings, arched windows and rustic décor. Rooms are simple and comfortable, and there’s free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee 24/7 and breakfast included. The hotel is just around the corner from the hip cafés of Bethlehem Road and Emek Refaim Street.

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Jerusalem - Travel Information

Jerusalem , the capital of the state of Israel, is a holy place for the three monotheistic religions, or in other words, is sacred for a third of the world's population. In Jerusalem you can find The Wailing Wall which is sacred to Jews since the days of the Temple, to which every Jew turns to pray every day. On the other side, you can see the Temple Mount , with the two sacred Muslim buildings ? the El Aktza mosque and the Dome of the Rock, from where the prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens to meet the prophets that came before him and God, which make Jerusalem the third most sacred place in the world for Muslims after Mecca and Medina. Down the road, in a walking distance, you can see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , one of the holiest places in the world for Christians, who come here for 2000 years to visit the place where Jesus of Nazareth died, was buried, and rose back. A famous map from the renaissance time shows Europe, Asia and Africa as petals in a flower, and in the center is Jerusalem.

You can say "unique" about many cities in the world, but Jerusalem is definitely one of the cities you can say that about without hesitation. 5,000 years of history made Jerusalem special for so many reasons, the there aren?t mane cities that can compete.

The main focus for a visit of Jerusalem is a tour of the four quarters Jerusalem's Old City (the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters), and the Jerusalem Walls . The area of the old city of Jerusalem is only 1 square kilometer, but it is filled with holy sites, aromatic markets, synagogues, churches, and mosques.

Outside the Old City Walls, Jerusalem is a modern metropolitan, which is home for over 700,000 people, but still Jerusalem keeps its special spirit, and all new buildings in the city must be built when their front is covered in the golden Jerusalem stone.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest Christian site in Jerusalem and Israel. The Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha and three Stations of the Cross, as well as the place of Jesus Christ's burial and resurrection.

Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives is located on the east of Jerusalem, Israel. The mountain is named after the olive trees that used to cover its slopes. Mount Olives is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, and many religious traditions are tied to it.

The Wailing Wall

Jews around the world turn their eyes to the Western Wall, also know as the Wailing Wall, which is the closest location to the place where the temple used to stand where Jews can pray. The wall we know today was a part of the temple's western wall, hence its name. Believers leave notes in the cracks between the wall's stones.

Jerusalem Walls

No Tour in Israel is complete without a visit to Jerusalem's Walls. The walls you can see today around Jerusalem's old city were built by the Turkish sultan Suleiman the "Magnificent" during the years 1536-1541. The length of the wall is around 3.8 km.

Mount Zion is on the southern part of Jerusalem's Old city. The mountain was not included in the area surrounded by Jerusalem's Walls, but is an integral part of the old city.

Ein Kerem is a picturesque village on the south western outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village (which is today a neighborhood within Jerusalem) has great significance in Christian traditions, since this is where according to the tradition John the Baptist was born.

Temple Mount

Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel, also known as Mount Moriah, is where the first temple was built by King Solomon, and is where the second temple was built by King Herod, which gave the compound its current structure. Since the seventh century there are two main Muslim structures on the mountain ? the El Aktzah mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The Temple Mount is the holiest place for Jews, and is the third holiest place for Muslims (after Mecca and Medina.

Israel Museum

The Israel Museum was established in 1965, and in a short time earned an international status. The Israel Museum houses a large variety of collections, starting from prehistoric archeology up to modern art.

Jerusalem City

The land of Israel is thronged with pilgrims, tourists and visitors from all over the world. These people belong to the three main, monotheistic religions of the world ? Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Jerusalem Hotels

If you have made up your mind to visit Jerusalem, then the best places where you can book your accommodation in Jerusalem are the various Jerusalem hotels.

Jerusalem Tours

The Jerusalem tours have been specially customized keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims.

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Menachem Begin Heritage Center

Museums , Old Train Station 6 Nahon St.

From 25 NIS

Outdoor , Old City Tower of David Museum.

From 45 NIS

Time Elevator Jerusalem

Outdoor , City Center Alrov Mamilla Avenue.

Jerusalem Old City Bites Card

Markets , Old City Old City.

From 85 NIS

Venues , Jerusalem Area 28 Hebron Rd.

Segway , Jerusalem Area The First Station Jerusalem.

Passover in Jerusalem

Multiple Areas .

Additional events at

Yom ha'atzmaut events, shavuot in jerusalem, the jerusalem film festival, the israel festival.

Jerusalem Area .

Jerusalem Day

Annual , Old City Jaffa Gate.

Fiesta De Ha’ira

Rosh hashanah in jerusalem, sukkot in jerusalem, international oud festival.

Festivals , Old Train Station Cinemateque Jerusalem.

The American Colony Hotel

5 Star , Old City 1 Louis Vincent St.

8.8 (336 Reviews)

TRYP Jerusalem Bat Sheva Hotel‏

Boutique , City Center 42 King George Street.

8.5 (1081 Reviews)

TripAdvisor

Mount Zion Hotel

Boutique , Old Train Station 17 Hebron Rd.

8.0 (665 Reviews)

Little House in the Colony Hotel

Unrated , German Colony 4A Lloyd George St.

7.3 (359 Reviews)

Fabulous 3 BDR for 6 in Old Katamon

Apartments , Old Katamon Brurya St..

Ramat Rachel Kibbutz Hotel

Unrated , Talpiot Kibbutz Ramat Rachel.

7.7 (24 Reviews)

Bat Sheva Restaurant

Private events , City Center 42 King George Street.

Nocturno Cafe

Cafe , City Center 7 Bezalel St. Designers in the City.

Blue Hall Music

Private events , City Center Yoel Moshe Salomon 12, St..

Touro Restaurant

Kosher , Yemin-Moshe S.A. Nachon St.

Colony Events House

Private events , Old Train Station 7 Beit Lechem Rd.

Montefiore Restaurant

Fish , Old City Yemin Moshe St. Below the windmill.

The Creative Class Food Tour

Type: bitemojo

Departure: Various Hours

Area: City Center

9.5 (15 Reviews)

City Tour Jerusalem

Type: 1 Day

Area: Jerusalem Area

Yerushalmit Special Tours

Type: Food & Culinary

Area: Multiple Areas

Caesarea, Acre, Rosh Hanikra and Haifa Tour

Departure: Morning

Area: Northern Israel

The Classic Old City Tour

Area: Old City

Jerusalem and Bethlehem Tour

Area: Jerusalem & Bethlehem

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Welcome to GoJerusalem.com, the internet's premier location for booking your Jerusalem travel and entertainment experiences, and for exploring the city's many spiritual and historical facets. Save money and time when booking Jerusalem hotels, Jerusalem tours, Israel tours, tickets to events and attractions with GoJerusalem.com, and enjoy unlimited use of our phone-based concierge service for real-time advice from our team of experts. We welcome you to explore our comprehensive Jerusalem restaurant guide, where you will find reviews and details for hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants, organized by cuisine style and neighborhood. Jerusalem is a staggeringly vibrant city, bursting with cultural institutions which offer concerts, art exhibits, lectures and performances. For the latest Jerusalem events, be sure to check out our events calendar, where hundreds of new entries are published throughout the week, every week. Whether you are looking for hotels in Jerusalem, events, attractions, restaurants or tours, there is no greater resource on the internet, or in print, than GoJerusalem.com, and our sister website in Hebrew, GoJerusalem.co.il.

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All the information you need to know before traveling to Israel

Dear friends.

Out of an abundance of caution over the new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, as of November 28th, 2021, Israel has closed its borders to all tourists until December 13th, 2021. Only citizens of Israel and specific visa holders are allowed entry to Israel. If you had a trip scheduled during that time, even if you or your group had been granted a permit, you are no longer allowed to go as a tourist regardless of your circumstances. 

During this two week stop, the Ministries of Health and Tourism will work tirelessly to evaluate the current situation judiciously and make policies that reflect the best course forward given all available data.

For the most up-to-date information on tourist entry requirements, please go to the Israel Ministry of Health's Covid-19 website : corona.health.gov.il .

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Middle East crisis — explained

The conflict between Israel and Palestinians — and other groups in the Middle East — goes back decades. These stories provide context for current developments and the history that led up to them.

Photos: Jerusalem's sacred crossroads endures in a time of war

Ayman Oghanna

Christians hold a candlelight procession in Jerusalem outside the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of Gethsemane, on March 28. This year, Easter, Purim and Ramadan overlapped for the first time in three decades. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Christians hold a candlelight procession in Jerusalem outside the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of Gethsemane, on March 28. This year, Easter, Purim and Ramadan overlapped for the first time in three decades.

JERUSALEM — Jewish revelers in a Purim parade pass protesters holding placards marking the days since hostages from Israel have been held by Hamas. Outside the church of Gethsemane, Christians clutching candles march after Mass on Maundy Thursday. At Damascus Gate, tens of thousands of Muslims step down stone slopes, carefully watched by Israeli security forces.

It is in Jerusalem where the ancient Jewish Temples stood, and billions of faithful believe Jesus was resurrected and the Prophet Muhammad ascended into paradise.

Amid the war in Gaza and tensions over access to major holy sites, this complex, ancient and diverse city that's central to Judaism, Islam and Christianity has remained largely peaceful.

"The present-day city contains so many religions, ethnic groups, ideologies, national identities ... all rubbing up against each other, but all very separate," says Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman, a former president of Rabbis for Human Rights, an Israeli organization. "Jerusalem holds out the promise of peace, of a shared space. I believe that God has called on all Jews, Christians and Muslims, Palestinians and Israelis ... to find a way to live together and share this holy city."

Over the centuries, Jerusalem has withstood invasions, sieges, attacks, division, reunification — and despite ongoing tensions, it endures as a city where people are able to practice and express their different and deeply held faiths, while adhering to strict rules and restrictions imposed on worship in this shared space.

Tension at Al-Aqsa Mosque is deepening with each day of the Israel-Hamas war

This spring, for the first time in three decades, Ramadan, Easter and Purim — holidays in Islam, Christianity and Judaism — all overlapped within a month-long period. With war raging in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, fresh restrictions on Palestinians' access to holy sites, and powerful challenges to longstanding rules about Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa compound, there were fears that tensions might flare uncontrollably and ignite violence in Jerusalem.

But the holidays passed with few incidents. Here are images showing the city during a holy month, and some of the people living, visiting and worshiping there.

Orthodox Jews pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on March 25. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Orthodox Jews pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on March 25.

Demonstrators hold signs urging the government to reach a deal for release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7, as they and Israeli security forces watch a parade through Jerusalem for the Jewish holiday of Purim. Despite the war in Gaza, the city hosted an official Purim parade for the first time in more than 40 years, among muted crowds and protesters. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Demonstrators hold signs urging the government to reach a deal for release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7, as they and Israeli security forces watch a parade through Jerusalem for the Jewish holiday of Purim. Despite the war in Gaza, the city hosted an official Purim parade for the first time in more than 40 years, among muted crowds and protesters.

A float in a Purim parade in Jerusalem, March 25. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

A float in a Purim parade in Jerusalem, March 25.

Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman stands outside his synagogue in West Jerusalem on March 6. "No one religious tradition has a monopoly on truth. Every religious tradition has, at its core, a vision of peace for all humanity," Weiman-Kelman says. "We need each other to find a way to live together. Sadly, since Oct. 7, this dream feels further away than ever." Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman stands outside his synagogue in West Jerusalem on March 6. "No one religious tradition has a monopoly on truth. Every religious tradition has, at its core, a vision of peace for all humanity," Weiman-Kelman says. "We need each other to find a way to live together. Sadly, since Oct. 7, this dream feels further away than ever."

Jerusalem as seen from the Mount of Olives. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Jerusalem as seen from the Mount of Olives.

The Dome of the Rock on the Al-Aqsa compound before Friday prayers during Ramadan in Jerusalem, March 22. It is a sacred site in Islam where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into paradise. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

The Dome of the Rock on the Al-Aqsa compound before Friday prayers during Ramadan in Jerusalem, March 22. It is a sacred site in Islam where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into paradise.

Israeli security forces in the Old City of Jerusalem before Friday prayers during Ramadan, March 22. Israel has long ensured Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a Muslim place of worship, with Jews allowed to pray at the Western Wall. But Israel's far-right national security minister urged religious Jews to enter the Al-Aqsa compound in the last 10 days of Ramadan, which many feared would lead to violence. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Israeli security forces in the Old City of Jerusalem before Friday prayers during Ramadan, March 22. Israel has long ensured Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a Muslim place of worship, with Jews allowed to pray at the Western Wall. But Israel's far-right national security minister urged religious Jews to enter the Al-Aqsa compound in the last 10 days of Ramadan, which many feared would lead to violence.

Men prepare for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa compound during Ramadan in Jerusalem. It is a sacred site in Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into paradise. Despite severe restrictions on Palestinians entering from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, more than 1.5 million worshipers visited the Al-Aqsa compound during the holy month of Ramadan, Jerusalem police said. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Men prepare for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa compound during Ramadan in Jerusalem. It is a sacred site in Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into paradise. Despite severe restrictions on Palestinians entering from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, more than 1.5 million worshipers visited the Al-Aqsa compound during the holy month of Ramadan, Jerusalem police said.

"Jesus was not born in Texas, he wasn't from Europe, he is not from Africa. He is from Palestine. Christianity started from Jerusalem," says Rafi Ghattas, a scout leader and coordinator for Palestinian Christian youth, in Jerusalem on March 28. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

"Jesus was not born in Texas, he wasn't from Europe, he is not from Africa. He is from Palestine. Christianity started from Jerusalem," says Rafi Ghattas, a scout leader and coordinator for Palestinian Christian youth, in Jerusalem on March 28.

A boy prepares palms while Christians hold a procession on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

A boy prepares palms while Christians hold a procession on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

A woman lights a candle in the Tomb of the Virgin in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, March 24. The war in Gaza deterred many visitors and pilgrims from visiting Jerusalem during Easter. Palestinian Christians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank were among those affected by Israeli restrictions on Palestinian travel into Jerusalem. Men had to be age 55 and older, and women had to be 50 and over. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

A woman lights a candle in the Tomb of the Virgin in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, March 24. The war in Gaza deterred many visitors and pilgrims from visiting Jerusalem during Easter. Palestinian Christians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank were among those affected by Israeli restrictions on Palestinian travel into Jerusalem. Men had to be age 55 and older, and women had to be 50 and over.

Christians hold a procession on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on March 24, commemorating the day that Christians believe Jesus entered Jerusalem and was greeted by followers waving palms. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

Christians hold a procession on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on March 24, commemorating the day that Christians believe Jesus entered Jerusalem and was greeted by followers waving palms.

A woman kisses the Stone of Anointing on March 24, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians believe the body of Jesus was prepared for burial. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

A woman kisses the Stone of Anointing on March 24, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians believe the body of Jesus was prepared for burial.

An Orthodox Jew prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on March 25. Above the Western Wall is the compound revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount. Ayman Oghanna for NPR hide caption

An Orthodox Jew prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on March 25. Above the Western Wall is the compound revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount.

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3 People Injured After Vehicle Attack in Jerusalem

The police arrested two men who fled the area after a car rammed into pedestrians. The Israeli authorities said the attack was an act of terrorism.

By Liam Stack

reporting from Jerusalem

• April 22, 2024

The Israeli authorities said they had arrested two men in Jerusalem on Monday after a vehicle was used to ram into pedestrians, injuring at least three people, in what the police called a terrorist attack.

Video of the episode broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12 shows a car speeding around a sharp corner and ramming into a group of people, who went flying over the top of the vehicle. Pictures shared on social media by the police show a white sedan that had crashed into another car on a small street.

After hitting the pedestrians, the vehicle appears to crash into a parked car, according to the video. Two young men then run out onto the street, pointing weapons, before fleeing the area.

The police said that the two men were arrested in a nearby store that was closed, and that a weapon used in the attack had been recovered.

It was the latest attack in Jerusalem in recent months, since Israeli forces went to war against Hamas in Gaza. Last month , a 15-year-old boy stabbed two Israelis at a checkpoint at the entrance to Jerusalem. In November , a gunman killed three Israelis at an entrance to the city, and a fourth Israeli who opened fire on the assailant was killed by Israeli soldiers who mistook him for a participant in the attack.

On Monday, video posted online by Channel 12 after the arrest shows men being led away by law enforcement officers as a crowd of ultra-Orthodox Jews, some standing on rooftops, clap and cheer.

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

The number of hostages still alive in Gaza is a mystery, officials say

More than six months since Hamas militants attacked Israel and seized more than 250 hostages , it remains unclear exactly how many of the captives are still alive in Gaza, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.

The uncertainty has caused anguish among the families of those held in Gaza and undermined international efforts to negotiate a cease-fire deal and the release of at least some of the hostages, the officials told NBC News.

A proposed cease-fire formula calls for Hamas to free 40 hostages who are women, children or sick and elderly men, and in return, Israel would release possibly hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. But Hamas so far has been unable to confirm it has identified 40 hostages who meet those criteria, and that has bogged down the negotiations, U.S., Israeli and Western officials said.

In November, more than 100 hostages were released as part of a four-day pause in the fighting in Gaza. Israel says more than 130 hostages remain, and about a quarter of those are believed dead.

Far fewer hostages may be alive than is publicly known, but it is difficult to say for certain, given there has been limited visibility into the locations and conditions of some of the hostages, U.S. officials said. 

Asked whether there was a firm estimate of how many hostages remained alive, a former senior Israeli official said: “Not at all. No one reliable has this information. It’s all speculation.”

U.S. officials accused Hamas of making demands that it knows are unobtainable.

"Hamas’ refusal to accept a hostage-cease-fire deal shows their disregard for the lives of the Palestinian people," a senior Biden administration official said Wednesday. "They started this war and seem to be perfectly fine with this conflict continuing."

An Israeli official said, “Hamas is dragging its feet, is not interested in a deal and continues to hope for a regional escalation, which is why the negotiations remain stalled.”

Hamas said in a statement Saturday it was prepared to sign on to a “serious and true” deal but renewed its demand for a permanent cease-fire and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops.

According to Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose country has acted as an intermediary for the hostage-cease-fire talks along with Egypt and the U.S., the talks have hit a “stumbling block.”

“We are passing through a delicate phase with some stumbling,” he said at a news conference Wednesday, without elaborating. “We are trying as much as possible to address this stumbling block and to move forward.”

Last week, a Hamas official, Basem Naim, said in an interview that a ceasefire is essential to identifying the number of hostages.

“Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data about the captured Israelis, because they are in different palaces by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipments for this purpose," Naim said.

A relative of one of the several Americans believed to be held in Gaza said families are in the dark about the fates of their loved ones: “For 185 days, we have received no verification of life of any of these hostages — absent a limited number of videos released early on by the Hamas terrorists.”

The family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid putting their loved one’s fate at risk, said that Israeli security has shown Americans who have traveled to Israel and met with Israel’s security forces that they know where many of the hostages are but that the captives are constantly being moved. 

“Every day they are there, we also know that they could die of starvation, illness, injury or murder,” the relative said.

The Biden administration is working under the assumption that five U.S. hostages are still alive and unaccounted for, a U.S. official said. But Washington has better visibility into the locations and conditions of some hostages than others, making it difficult to say with any certainty that all five remain alive. 

Beyond the five, the U.S. believes Hamas is holding several more bodies of Americans believed to have been taken into Gaza after they were killed in the militants’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel or shortly thereafter.

Israeli troops have searched hospitals, tunnels and even graveyards in Gaza for hostages or their remains. In February, an Israeli raid in Rafah in southern Gaza rescued two hostages.

Aviva Siegel, who spent 51 days as a hostage in Gaza until she was released as part of the November deal, said her experience in captivity was a terrifying nightmare.

“I was treated like I’m nothing. I didn’t have any human rights. We weren’t allowed to talk. We weren’t allowed to even stand,”  Siegel told  NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell last week.

“They used to starve us and eat in front of us. They used to drink water, and we begged them for water. They used to sometimes bring us just a little bit of water and say that’s the water until tomorrow at 5 o’clock. So we used to have one sip every couple of hours, each of us."

Her husband, Keith, of North Carolina, remains captive.

CORRECTION (April 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated in a quote how long Aviva Siegel was held hostage in Gaza. It was 51 days, not 186. The quote has been removed.

Dan De Luce is a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. 

Peter Alexander is chief White House correspondent for NBC News.

Monica Alba is a White House correspondent for NBC News.

Anna Schecter is a senior producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit.