My vision for Jerusalem in 2050 is a collaboratively governed city-state with a national identity defined by more than religion. I envision a democratically-elected body with governing authority acquired from the independent states of Israel and Palestine upon the fulfillment of predetermined accomplishments. With the understanding that all things are political, the State of Jerusalem would be divided into similarly sized geographic districts that would elect leaders to a governing council. Instead of representation being determined by religion or population, relative affluence and population would determine representation. As population decreases and as wealth increases, the number of representatives would decrease for a given district. Likewise, as population increases and wealth decreases, representation would increase. This system of representation would help to balance power between a relatively wealthy majority population and a poorer minority population.
Knowing that the development of a State of Jerusalem would require a long and complex process, the transfer of power from the independent States of Palestine and Israel to the State of Jerusalem would be a multi-decade process and beyond the immediate political cycle. Initially, the State of Jerusalem would have authority over issues that are not or are only slightly controversial or difficult. Some of the early State responsibilities will seem menial; however, the intention is to create an institutional culture of collaboration and cooperation. Over time and according to international agreements, more important authority would be transferred from the States of Israel and Palestine to the State of Jerusalem as it moves towards autonomy and independence.
In order to create a national identity beyond religion, I imagine a Jerusalem where international governments shift 2% of their military support from the states of Israel and Palestine to fund an international medical research center that focuses on developing cures to diseases that are not commercially viable or intended for commercial use and profit. This fund could also help to develop international institutions for environmental conservation, the promotion of education and human rights, or the enforcement of new international labor standards. As a “holy city-state” Jerusalem would have tremendous moral authority the world over and could be a force for good on important issues that affect the well being of people the world over.
