Jerusalem still deserted by tourists, due to the war against Hamas

Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, local and foreign visitors have deserted the Old City. The traders we met do not hope for an improvement for several months.

“Generally, we start here with the Jaffa Gate, Bab el Halil, which is the beginning of the visit to Jerusalem, explains Michel Seban, a guide in Jerusalem for fifteen years. This is how you enter the old town. Since October 7 and the attack perpetrated by Hamas from the Gaza Strip, he who was born in Bobigny and chose Israel 45 years ago no longer has any foreign clients. More work, more income.

“We have been unemployed for three months, watching television every day, following the news from morning until evening, confides Michel Seban. And then, they announced that soon the [compagnies] low cost will start to come back. Hoping they’ll bring back some brave tourists.” The tourist guide does not expect a rapid resumption of his activity.

“The tourists who are going to come, they need to be motivated and the motivation for the tourists is to know that the situation has really calmed down.”

Michel Seban, tourist guide in Jerusalem

at franceinfo

For now, the streets of the old town are as empty as during the Covid pandemic, Annabelle concedes. She runs the Christian information center near the Jaffa Gate: “Few people come here to the Information Center, but reservations made through the Franciscan office agency show that there are a few groups in the country and others are planning to come in the near future. Europeans and especially Asians, Indonesians, those for whom obtaining visas is complicated and who would lose everything if they did not come.” But this European and Asian clientele represents less than 5% of usual attendance.

“It’s the government’s business”

Since October 7, no one has entered Ibrahim’s fabric shop, in the alley leading to the Holy Sepulchre. “No Israelis and no tourists, he despairs. As you can see, at this time, the merchants are already closing up shop.” No question of deserting, said the trader: “I’ve been here almost 40 years. What am I going to do at home? Fight with my wife? This is my home.”

So, Ibrahim is patient: “I hope it ends soon, but it’s not in our hands. It’s the government’s business.” The fabric seller does not expect this return to normal for several months.