In the shadow of Jerusalem lies Al Zaim, a reasonably large village with plenty of shops and business. The entrance to Al Zaim has been taken over by a large check point, which has been the site of various shootings and conflicts.
Al Zaim is just east of Jerusalem’s municipal borders, but it is cut off from the city by the separation wall. This stops many of Al Zaim’s residents from travelling to their former place of work, or from visiting family.
Population: 6,000
There are various different shops in the village centre, including mini-markets, clothes shops and furniture stores. But, given its location just east of Jerusalem, there is much to see and do in the city or nearby in Bethlehem or Ramallah.
Snacks and cold drinks can be purchased from the mini-markets, but in the nearby bigger cities of Ramallah, Bethlehem and of course Jerusalem there are many dining options.
The cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah are all close by, with a great range of accommodation on offer.