"Ghosheh...presents an Arab perspective on the cultural history of his native Jerusalem. He describes traditions that he says have been threatened by the Israeli occupation; the major holidays of the three major faiths that consider the city holy; and an earlier time when religious tolerance reigned."

"Ghosheh, a founding of the Jerusalem Deportees Committee and a member of the Palestinian National Council, describing Jerusalem as 'a city of unique grief,' states that the city has managed to maintain its Arabic culture and traditions- Islamic, Christian, and Jewish- and has emerged victorious time and time again."

"What makes this volume fascinating and informative is the way the author links social habits, traditions, and common practices to the historical and religious context...This book is a wonderful presentation of Palestinian life in a city that packs more culture and history than anywhere else in the world... It is a must-read for anyone interested in seriously engaging with and understanding the Palestinian traditions of Jerusalem."

"Covering birth, marriage, and death, household structure and family, gender roles, food and games, and folk medicine, superstitions and religious festivals, Ghosheh, a member of the Palestinian National Council, paints a picture of a traditional Jerusalem in which 'good human and ethical habits' yield a community of social cooperation"