Neighborhoods around Jerusalem

raburrell · Nov 9, 2009

I'm apartment hunting for my MC and his wife. She's an aid worker in the Palestinian areas surrounding Bethlehem. He works out of the apartment. Would someone who knows the area suggest what might be a reasonable place for them to live? (He's an Israeli, she's Gentile) He's not the type to be part of the settlement movement either, so it would have to be an established neighborhood, I would think. I've tried looking at settlement maps and apartment hunting websites and what-not, but I'm hoping someone who knows the lay of the land will be willing to chime in

Thanks!
eta: After a bit more research, I'm thinking ~~Gilo - it's considered a settlement by some, but not really, and it's large and well-established anyway. Right place, anyhow.~~Arnona. If this *doesn't* work, please let me know.

StephanieFox · Nov 9, 2009

If it were me, I'd go to Tel Aviv. More freedom, your wife can ride any bus she wants, anytime, the art scene is vibrant and there are lovely beaches.

raburrell · Nov 9, 2009

Hi Stephanie - Thanks, but the story has a religious bent to it - needs to be in Jerusalem. I'm sure the characters would much rather go to the beach though

Adelaide · Nov 9, 2009

Arnona seems fine. I've been to the kibbutz right next to it, Ramat Rachel, and it has great views of Jerusalem. Very pretty.

Just a note: You said "he's Israeli, she's Gentile." Just because she is not Jewish doesn't automatically make her "not Israeli." Israeli does not equal Jewish. And Gentile is also many things. Is she American? Christian? Muslim? You have to be more specific. I know it seems trivial, but there are a population of people who are non-Jews that identify themselves as Israeli (like the Druze, both Christian and Muslim Arabs, Christian Russians). Sorry if I seem like a PC tightwad, but I think it's something you should be aware of.

Anyway, good luck with your story! I've been to Bethlehem so I'm really interested in the subject.

raburrell · Nov 9, 2009

Thanks, Adelaide! I appreciate the clarification

She holds American citizenship, her heritage is Croatian, and religion-wise, she's Catholic. (which is why I used the 'Gentile' shorthand lol) He's originally from Russia, and lived in the States for a while as well. They've got a happy exo-marriage

Adelaide · Nov 11, 2009

Sounds good.

Again, good luck!

Smiling Ted · Nov 11, 2009

Adelaide said:
Arnona seems fine. I've been to the kibbutz right next to it, Ramat Rachel, and it has great views of Jerusalem. Very pretty.

Just a note: You said "he's Israeli, she's Gentile." Just because she is not Jewish doesn't automatically make her "not Israeli." Israeli does not equal Jewish. And Gentile is also many things. Is she American? Christian? Muslim? You have to be more specific. I know it seems trivial, but there are a population of people who are non-Jews that identify themselves as Israeli (like the Druze, both Christian and Muslim Arabs, Christian Russians). Sorry if I seem like a PC tightwad, but I think it's something you should be aware of.

In fact, they are full Israeli citizens. One-quarter of Israeli citizens are non-Jews, mostly Arabs.

Neighborhoods around Jerusalem

raburrell

Treguna Makoidees Trecorum SadisDee

StephanieFox

Maybull the Bulldog

raburrell

Treguna Makoidees Trecorum SadisDee

Adelaide

raburrell

Treguna Makoidees Trecorum SadisDee

Adelaide

Smiling Ted

Ah-HA!