JerusaLENS: The World Photographs Jerusalem

Welcome to JerusaLENS: The World Photographs Jerusalem, an extraordinary exhibition capturing the essence and beauty of Jerusalem through photographers’ lenses worldwide. Jerusalem, a city of profound historical, religious, and cultural significance, is where the prayers of millions converge. Whether they’ve walked its ancient streets or dreamt of its splendor, everyone feels a connection. For some, it’s home; for others, a pilgrimage destination. For centuries, people from all walks of life have written poems and songs dedicated to Jerusalem, expressing their deep love and longing. As the eternal capital of the Jewish People and the State of Israel for the past 70 years, Jerusalem stands as a beacon of unity and cultural heritage.

In February 2017, to commemorate 50 years of Jerusalem’s reunification, the JerusaLENS photography challenge was launched. This global contest invited people worldwide to submit photographs of Jerusalem. The response was overwhelming, with over 14,500 photos submitted from 84 countries. These images received over 2.5 million votes and were judged to select the top 100 that best embodied the spirit of Jerusalem. These photographs were first exhibited in June 2017 at the Ammunition Hill National Site. Today, we bring this collection to you, honoring the city that captures the world’s imagination. As you walk through this exhibition, experience Jerusalem through these photographers’ eyes. Each photograph tells a story, capturing moments of beauty, spirituality, and life in a city that is a mosaic of history and modernity, a symbol of hope and resilience.