Protests over Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem have escalated the past several weeks. After this month's announcement of the planned escalation of 1600 new homes many thought the protests would get out of hands.

Several protest sights, such as those in Bil'in and Nil'in, have sparked violence, with protesters shouting and throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers who responded by shooting rubber bullets and/or tear gas. However, those demonstrating in Sheikh Jarrah pride themselves on conducting several non-violent marches and protests in the past several week.

The protesters, made up mainly of left-leaning Jews from West Jerusalem, said their goal was make the people and the government aware that the settlements were illegal and a detriment to the piece process. The disputed areas of East Jerusalem are claimed both by Israelis and Palestinians as part of their capital. Most of those Israeli Jews siding with the Palestinians believe that any chance at peace would have to come with the withdrawal of these settlements from East Jerusalem and the halt of expansions into the area and others in the West Bank.