East Jerusalem represents the eastern half of the once divided city and became the focus of Palestinian settlement around the Old City of Jerusalem in the period after the Second World War and Israeli independence in 1948. Since East Jerusalem fell under Israeli control in the Six Day War of 1967, reuniting the city, a large number of Jewish neighbourhoods have also been (re)-settled. East Jerusalem is the location of the first campus of the Hebrew University on Mt Scopus. Despite the high level of coexistence, the area remains a point of contention in Arab-Israeli relations, somewhat intensified since the outbreak of hostilities in the last few years.

Eat

• Kan Zman Jerusalem Hotel, Nablus Road, telephone 6283282. Middle Eastern specialities plus pasta and salads. Main courses start at about 30 NIS, and there are 50 NIS buffets on Thursday and Saturday nights. Open 7:00 a.m.–midnight. Not kosher.

• American Colony Hotel, Nablus Road, telephone 6279777. French and Middle Eastern cuisine. Three course meals from $25; summer bar. Open noon–3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–11:45 p.m. Reservations advised. Not kosher.

Sleep

Hostels

• Cairo Hostel, 12 Nablus Road, telephone 6277216, Roof 10NIS; Dorm 15NIS; Private Room 60NIS, Curfew 1:30 a.m.

Hotels

• American Colony Hotel, Nablus Road (located about 10 minutes' walk from the Old City of Jerusalem and near to the commercial and shopping areas of West and East Jerusalem), 627-9777, Fax: 627-9779, reserv@amcol.co.il, [1].