Half of the Armenian population lived within the closed environment of the Armenian Monastery, while the other half lived in an adjacent open quarter of Jerusalem. Results showed that fear among the elderly was greater in the open environment. The image of the environment was perceived to be more risky in the open area, and perceptions of crime and victimization levels were higher among the elderly who lived in the open area. The social control system in the closed area appeared to prevent crime and keep residents from being victimized. Almost 90 percent of residents in the closed area did not become crime victims, compared with more than two-thirds of those in the open area. Moreover, the vicarious victimization of individuals who lived under the informal social control system was very low compared to individuals who lived in the open and uncontrolled area. Environmental protection directly affected fear of crime. 36 references and 3 tables