Jewish and Arab neighbors torn apart by violence in East Jerusalem

Just one narrow street divides the Arab village of Jabel Mukaber from the Jewish neighborhood of Armon Hanatziv in East Jerusalem. But the gulf between the two communities seems impossible to bridge these days.

Although relations have not been warm, they have worsened dramatically recently. The current round of violence between Palestinians and Israelis began in mid-September over tensions at a Jerusalem site sacred to both Muslims and Jews. Since then, confrontations have increased. As of the end of October, 11 Israelis had been killed, mostly in stabbings, while 55 Palestinians, 35 of them identified by Israel as attackers, were killed by Israeli fire.

Each side blames the other for starting the trouble. Arab residents say protests broke out over Israel’s plans to impose sovereignty and restrictions over the Temple Mount, the location of the Al Aqsa mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Residents of the Jewish neighborhood say the false allegation is a rumor spread by Palestinian leaders to foment riots and a string of terror attacks against Jewish people across Israel.