ABSTRACT
Despite its numerous esoteric and celestial attributes, Jerusalem's magical and mystical quality is amazingly accessible to all seekers at a certain level of recognition. Israeli actions since 1967 have, at one level, increased Israeli political control of the city. Growth strategies have sustained a solid, albeit declining, Jewish majority within municipal borders drawn by Israel. Israel's ability since 1967 to control Jerusalem politically is built on fragile foundations. The major friction produced by hegemonic territorial planning within the city is due to extended and expansive Jewish penetration into disputed and contested territory in annexed parts of the city. Political territorial competition since 1967 has brought Jewish and Arab communities spatially closer together in Jerusalem. Security and urbanism are contrasting projects in a politically contested city. The goal of ensuring security in an urban arena demands clear-cut boundaries, checkpoints, compartments that can be sealed, and the control and monitoring of movement.
