Is There a Way to an Effective Protection of Cultural Identities in the Old City of Jerusalem

Ensuring the protection of the various cultural identities at stake in the Old City of Jerusalem is a tricky issue given the importance of the site for the three represented monotheistic religions, the uncertain political status of the site, and the consequences that every event occurring in this symbolic city might have for the world as a whole. Until now the duties to protect such identities have been fragmented as the various communities are in charge of what is mostly considered to be their own heritage. This paper discusses the question of whether more neutral and internationalized protection, that would go further than the World Heritage Convention regime, is advisable and feasible