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Jerusalem is divided into three sections: the Old City, New City
(West Jerusalem), and East Jerusalem. The walled Old City, in the center,
contains Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian quarters. Most of the
narrow streets of the Old City are lined with shops where merchants sell
foodstuffs and
traditional handicrafts; homes are clustered around courtyards surrounded
by high walls. Many of Jerusalem's religious landmarks are located in
the Old City. The Western Wall is a remnant of the supporting wall of
the Second Temple. After the Jews were banished from the Temple Mount,
the Western Wall became the most sacred place of Judaism. Atop
the Temple Mount are the gold-domed Dome of the Rock and the silver-domed
al-Aqsa mosques. The street called the Via Dolorosa is believed to be
the site of the original Stations of the Cross. The Church of the Holy
Sepulcher was begun in the 4th century AD and was rebuilt by the Crusaders
beginning in 1099. The largest of Jerusalem's many parks encircles the
walls of the Old City. Tourism is the major industry of the city, along
with the government-related functions. Industries include diamond cutting
and polishing, home appliances, furniture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals,
shoes, plastics, textiles and clothing, printing and publishing, and jewelry.
The city is connected by rail and bus to Tel Aviv and is served by Mediterranean
ports.
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* The Walling Wall
* The Israel Museum
* The Knesset
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