Table showing the slum Conditions in Urban Areas in Palestine before 1948 (Nakba), British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 693. Chapter XVI: Social Services : Section 4: Social Welfare

CHAPTER XVI.

impossible to make a distinction since separate population figures for the non-slum districts are not available. It is estimated by social workers that approximately 25% of the inhabitants of the above quarters belong to the poorest strata of the population.

A detailed and very objective description of the slums of the Jewish quarters of Jerusalem written by Dr. Britschgi-Schimmer is contained in the publication of the Economic Research Institute of the Jewish Agency - "Housing in Jewish Palestine". Dr. Britschgi-Schimmer's survey was made in 1938 but the conditions described therein have by no means improved since the report was written. In fact over-crowding is considerably worse.

Table 11.

SLUM AREAS IN THE ARAB SECTOR OF JERUSALEM

, I Built-up urea I Population I Density per

Nome of quarter ! (Dunums) (end 19•15) dunum

(I) Old City 500 I 27,600 I 55.2

(2) Musrara 75 3,300 44.0

(3) Deir Abu Tor 55 1,300 23.6

(4) Joret el Anab 8 I 600 I 75.0

(5) Shamma'a 13 800 GJ.5

Total: 651 33,600 51.6

148. The total non-Jewish population of Jerusalem by the end of 1945 is estimated to be 50,000 Moslem and Christian Arabs and 13,000 non-Arab Christians. The population figures in table 11 are estimates of Arabs living in the respective quarters. On the basis or these figures 67% of the Arab population of Jerusalem are living in slum areas but here again it must be mentioned that parts of some of the areas have a non-slum character.

The Old City of Jerusalem is peculiar in that, while a number or the houses are structurally adequate, the whole inhabited area is so closely built up, over-crowded and devoid of natural amenities that it is unsuitable in its present condition for human habitation. A number of people live under appalling conditions in cave-like rooms and cellars.

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