Jerusalem Braces for War: Fears Rise as Tourists Vanish & Divisions Deepen
The Old City of Jerusalem is experiencing a stark and unsettling quiet, a consequence of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the streets once teemed with tourists and pilgrims, they are now largely deserted, leaving local businesses struggling to survive. The atmosphere is thick with uncertainty, as residents grapple with the economic fallout and the looming possibility of further escalation.
Mohammed Liftawi, who runs two shops selling clothes, bedding, jewellery, souvenirs and ornaments near Jaffa Gate and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, embodies this predicament. Jerusalem is very empty,
he said, gesturing to the vacant street. We have no tourists, we have nothing. They have fled because of the war.
Liftawi, having weathered the economic hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces another crippling slowdown. He fears a further deterioration of the situation.
The decline in tourism is particularly acute given the Old City’s reliance on visitors. According to reports from late 2023, visitor numbers plummeted by over 80 percent, forcing many businesses into crisis. Shop owners, lacking an online presence or established reputation, have been particularly vulnerable, with an estimated 75-80% now closed. Liftawi’s experience reflects this broader trend, highlighting the fragility of livelihoods dependent on a steady stream of international visitors.
The sense of unease extends beyond the economic realm. Liftawi expressed a deep-seated apprehension about the future, stating, To be honest, from what I hear, yes I think [another war is coming]. I think there will be another war. And nobody likes war.
This sentiment underscores a pervasive anxiety among residents, who are bracing for a potential resurgence of conflict.
However, not all residents share this apprehension. Moshe Cohen, a 23-year-old, voiced a markedly different perspective, advocating for proactive military action against Iran. I hope it starts in a few days,
he said, smiling. Because they give all the money to Gaza, to Hamas. Everything comes from them. It’s a lot of money. So you have to take off the head and make the world a better place.
Cohen believes that even without U.S. Involvement, Israel should act unilaterally, demonstrating a willingness to take decisive action.
This divergence in opinion highlights the complex and often polarized views within Israeli society regarding the ongoing regional tensions. While some prioritize de-escalation and economic stability, others advocate for a more assertive military posture. The differing perspectives reflect a deep-seated debate about the best path forward in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Khalil Al-daqaq, whose family has run a shop in the Old City for decades, offered a more philosophical outlook. Trade is bad, but we are surviving,
he said. It could be worse. I’m a very optimistic person. In this country, you have to be.
Al-daqaq acknowledged the tension but expressed a sense of resignation, stating, Some people are really scared, but you know – what will happen, will happen.
He emphasized the importance of resilience and the enduring appeal of Jerusalem as a holy site, predicting that tourists would eventually return when conditions stabilize.
Yaakov Simcha, a 21-year-old student from New Jersey studying the Torah in Jerusalem, echoed this sentiment of faith and acceptance. I have no idea [what will happen],
he said. I’m not nervous or anything. I believe in God, and I believe that whatever he wants to happen is going to happen. And so, you know, I think his plan is going to work.
Simcha’s perspective reflects a deep-rooted religious conviction and a belief in a higher power guiding events.
The situation in Jerusalem’s Old City is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Israel and the wider region. The economic impact of the conflict is palpable, with businesses struggling and livelihoods threatened. The political climate remains fraught with tension, as evidenced by the contrasting views on potential military action. While the future remains uncertain, the resilience and faith of the residents offer a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing anxiety. The winds of war may have calmed somewhat, but the tourism industry remains deeply affected, and the prospect of further conflict continues to cast a long shadow over the ancient streets of Jerusalem. As of , the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation a constant concern.
The broader context of Israel’s increasing isolation on the world stage, as reported in late September 2025, further complicates the situation. This international pressure adds another layer of uncertainty to the economic recovery and the prospects for a return to normalcy in Jerusalem’s Old City.