Jerusalem: What Sharing a City Means

Taking this course was one of the most eye-opening learning experiences I’ve had. I came in with a basic understanding of Jerusalem as a contested religious city, but I’m leaving with a much deeper appreciation of its layered identities, histories, and the real-life complexities of people who live there.

What stood out most was how the course didn't try to simplify or take sides—it respected the complexity of the subject. We learned not just about religion or politics in isolation, but how they’re woven into the everyday fabric of the city. From analyzing maps to hearing narratives from various communities—Jewish, Palestinian, Christian, Armenian—it felt like I was walking through the city’s streets with a more informed, empathetic lens.

The course structure was also excellent. The videos were well-produced, the reading materials were thought-provoking, and the discussion prompts helped me reflect deeply. The idea of “sharing” a city was explored in ways I hadn’t imagined before—not just theoretically, but spatially and emotionally.

If I could suggest one thing, it would be to include even more firsthand voices from current residents—maybe interviews or on-the-ground storytelling. But overall, the balance between historical context and present-day dynamics was really well handled.

This course challenged my assumptions, made me ask difficult questions, and most importantly, it made me care. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in Middle Eastern politics, urban conflict, or simply what it means to live together in a divided world.