What is the Capital of Israel?
Israel is a country in the Middle East, it’s known as the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. Israel struggles with political tensions, including its relationship with neighboring countries and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this article, we will learn about what is the capital of Israel, its former capitals, and much more.
Capital of Israel
The capital city of Israel is Jerusalem. Israel says that even the eastern part of Jerusalem, which it took over in a war in 1967, is part of its capital, but not everyone agrees with that. The Knesset (parliament) and many government offices are located in Jerusalem. The city holds immense historical and religious significance and is revered by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Even though it’s not very big, its history and spiritual importance have made it the focal point for people worldwide.
The city has several parts, and one of them is the Old City, surrounded by walls. It’s got important places for different religions, like the Western Wall for Judaism, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christianity, and the Dome of the Rock for Islam.
Even though it’s tricky with politics and religion, Jerusalem is the main place for running the country, culture, and religion in Israel.
Where is Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is in the Middle East, in a place called the Levant. It’s located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, roughly 64 kilometers east of the Mediterranean Sea, and the Dead Sea. If you look at a map, you’ll find it in the middle of Israel. The surrounding area has several valleys. Jerusalem’s location is about 31.7683° north latitude and 35.2137° east longitude.
Interesting Facts about Jerusalem
- Yerushalayim is the name of Jerusalem in Hebrew, which has the word, ’shalom’, which means peace. This reflects the city’s deep significance as a holy city.
- The Mount of Olives is a respected burial ground for Jews. Burial plots can cost much for this final resting place.
- The Old City of Jerusalem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is split into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. Enclosed by ancient walls, it is full of historical and religious landmarks.
- Jerusalem is one of the rare cities with a large range of elevations. It dips to its lowest point at the Kidron Valley, approximately 800 meters below sea level, while at its highest peak at the Mount of Olives, reaching around 800 meters above sea level.
- In Jerusalem, many people are from different religions. This mix of people makes the city lively and colorful, with lots of cultures, languages, and traditions. It’s like a beautiful mosaic of different groups living together peacefully.
Former Capitals of Israel
Some of the key cities have served as capitals or centers of power in the land that is now Israel. These cities are:
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Shechem (Nablus)
Shechem, now known as Nablus in the northern West Bank, played a significant role as one of the early capitals of the Kingdom of Israel during the time of the biblical patriarchs.
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Yavne
Amid the Jewish revolt against the Romans in the 1st century CE, Yavne (also spelled Yavneh) had a short-lived role as a center for Jewish leadership and education following the destruction of Jerusalem’s Second Temple.
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Jerusalem( earlier times)
For a significant portion of ancient history, Jerusalem was the capital of, both the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. This status was maintained during different periods, including King David and Solomon’s reigns.
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Tel Aviv
Following establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Tel Aviv served as the provisional capital until Jerusalem was officially declared the capital in 1949. Tel Aviv is now the nation’s primary center for finance and culture.
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