Life in the Old City returning to 'normal'
After two weeks of riots and constant tension, tourists are beginning to return and local store owners, both Arab and Jewish, are reopening their doors in one of the most contested sites in the world.
However, now that Muslim worshipers have returned to the Temple Mount for prayer on Thursday and Friday, it would appear the atmosphere has begun to calm. Despite continued suspicion from Muslim residents—many of whom refused to be interviewed by Israeli news outlets—tourists have begun to return to the streets.
"The situation makes people who come to the store question the seller, because maybe he will be part of a group that supports or does not support (a certain side)," said Ashraf, who owns a souvenir shop near the market.
In his view, the important thing now is to bridge the gaps between Muslims and Jews and to talk to each other.
"The real reason to be here is to create a democratic state. That's my view, and that's how I deal with everyone, customers or locals. We need to have peace, and I hope this message reaches everybody who has a pure heart and wants to live in peace. We have to work hard on resolving the issues between us."
Yaakov Halfinger, who owns a Judaica shop in the Jewish Quarter, added, "In the last two weeks there was a dramatic reduction in work, but they reached some agreement with the Waqf and suddenly everything calms down. We feel like there is no tension and everyone is happy. We say hello to our neighbors again."
Evidence of life returning to normal is demonstrated by the return of Waqf officials to the Temple Mount after their two week absence.
During that time, 1,300 Jews took advantage of their absence to visit the Temple Mount without close supervision, but in the last two days, officials have returned to escort duties and ensuring that Jewish visitors do not pray at the site.
