Jerusalem - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, absolutely, without a doubt, someone with mobility issues would encounter difficulties. No US Embassy building in Jerusalem is fully accessible and stairs are everywhere. Homes have a lot of stairs. Apartments often have elevator breakages forcing everyone to take the stairs. - Nov 2022
Yes, most of the city is not accessible, nor are most of the USG buildings in the mission. - Oct 2019
Probably. There are good sidewalks some places but most other places are cobblestones, uneven, have cars and trash blocking them and many businesses have stairs to get in them with no ramp. - Aug 2018
Yes, it would be limiting, but not impossible. It's a hilly place and there are places you can't drive to, particularly in the old city. There are a lot of steps and cobblestone streets and crowds, especially in the old city. Sidewalks in East Jerusalem are bad, and there are frequently trees or posts or trash blocking them. A lot of restaurants have a couple of steps to access them. Buildings have elevators, there is handicapped parking in most places, sidewalks in West Jerusalem are decent and have curb cutouts. I think people will be helpful to you if you need it; they have a reputation for brusqueness (well deserved), but people do help with my stroller, and I had a guest with a wheelchair who was able to get around fairly well. - Apr 2018
Maybe. There are hills and stairs and steps everywhere. It is a runner's dream (nightmare?) but there are accommodations for strollers everywhere due to the large baby-population so that can prove helpful for wheelchairs. The Consulate itself is NOT handicapped-accessible, at all. If you have a disability that affects your mobility, do not bid on this post. - Dec 2016
Jerusalem is a relatively accommodating city when compared with others in the Middle East. Elevators generally work, and most curbs in West Jerusalem are cut to allow wheelchair access. - Aug 2015
Yes, especially in the older parts of the city. - Aug 2015
I would think they would - yes. The sidewalks are not always great and traffic is chaos. - May 2015
Sidewalks are constructed with Jerusalem stone and are very slippery. Some handicaped parking spots can be found. Handicapped accessible doors are very rare. - Mar 2014
Tons. A lot of cobblestone, construction going on, roads blocked by cars just parked on the sidewalk, crazy fast drivers who don't really look. A lot of stairs and definitely not a lof ot ramps. - Aug 2013
Recent renovations to roads and sidewalks in the city center have greatly increased its accessibility, but this is an old city that was not built with the handicapped in mind. Remember that it is also built on a series of hills. - Jul 2013
A lot, there are no sidewalks and most of the buildings do not have elevators. - Feb 2009
