To Rule Jerusalem

"To Rule Jerusalem" by Roger Friedland is a compelling historical and ethnographic exploration published by Cambridge University Press in 1996. Spanning 574 pages, this insightful work delves into the intricate and often contentious struggle for Jerusalem in the twentieth century. Friedland meticulously examines the city’s dual divisions: that between Israelis and Palestinians, and within each group, the contrasting beliefs of religious zealots versus secularists. Utilizing hundreds of revealing interviews, the author provides a nuanced understanding of the social, political, and ethnic dynamics that shape Jerusalem today. This book is essential for anyone interested in the complexities of Jerusalem's identity and the ongoing conflicts that impact its diverse communities.