In the Name of Pluralism: Fighting the (Perceived) Ultraorthodox Penetration in the Baka Neighborhood of Jerusalem

In Jerusalem the term pluralism recently received an alternative meaning—non-Haredi. Conflicts between the “pluralist” and the Ultra-Orthodox populations regarding the character of city neighborhoods are quite frequent. The focus of this article is one Jerusalem neighborhood—Baka—and the conflicts that occurred there around this issue in 2009–10. Neighborhood residents interpreted and framed the conflicts as opposition to Ultra-Orthodox penetration, but I argue, relying on ethnographic data analysis of two conflicts, that the main focus was the definition of the public space. As these conflicts involved Ultra-Orthodox and organizations, in the sensitive context of Jerusalem, framing them as anti-Ultra-Orthodox penetration was useful in mobilizing residents’ participation and in gaining wider legitimation and support. More broadly, based on my ethnography, I argue that residents participate in neighborhood affairs due to sentiments of belonging and commitment, thus creating the political format I term “neighborhood citizenship”.