Israel and Jerusalem Conflict in the Middle East

Fast Facts About Israel Capital: Jerusalem Official languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English Government: democracy GDP per capita: $36, 200 Religions: 75.1% Jewish, 17.4% Muslim, 2% Christian Ethnicities: 75.1% Jewish, 24.9% Arab

Fast Facts About Gaza Strip Ethnic Groups: 99% Palestinian Arabs (No Jewish settlements since 2005) Language: Arabic Religion: 98-99% Muslim (mostly Sunni) * Controlled by Hamas (fundamentalist Islamic organization who does not recognize Israel)

Fast Facts About West Bank Ethnic Groups: 83% Palestinian Arab 17% Jewish Language: Arabic, Hebrew, and English Religion: 80-85% Muslim, 12-14% Jewish, 1-2.5% Christian

Temple Mount Christian and Jewish name for the holy site in the Old City where the First and Second Temples were built Contains multiple holy sites for both religion

Haram al Sharif Muslim name for the holy area in Old City Jerusalem (same area as Temple Mount) Contains the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque

Western Wall (Wailing Wall) Holiest site in the world for Jews The Wall is the remains of the Second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans Jewish people place written prayers on pieces of paper in the wall cracks

Dome of the Rock Muslim building with the golden dome Covers a rocky area underneath with religious importance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims Muslims believe that Muhammad went to heaven at this spot Only Muslims are permitted to go inside

Church of the Holy Sepulcher Holiest site for Christians Believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb

Security Barrier Barrier being built by the Israeli government between Israel and the West Bank to prevent suicide bombing and Jewish settlements Palestinians say the barrier prevents them from access to their holy sites in Old City