A spring visit to the home of the Patriarchs

I was in Hevron yesterday. As always, a visit to the site of our forefather’s burial is an occasion for reflection. As is the bloody history of the city, including my old roommate Yaakov Zimmerman, HY”D.

This Pessach marks 43 years since the return of Jews to heron. The ancient Jewish community of Hevron dates back some 3400 years! (over 2000 years before Muhammad founded his Islamic empire). The first years of King David’s monarchy were spent in Hevron. After the destruction of the temple and the exile of majority of Jews from the land, the Jewish community was small but no less tenacious than today.  The Jews were expelled by the crusaders in the eleven hundreds, but returned. In the census of 1895, they numbered 10% of the population.

But in 1929, some of their Arab neighbors rose up and mercilessly slaughtered 67 people. (The duplicitous British authorities stood aside). Irregardless of the danger, Jews trickled back into their beloved town but in 1936, the British removed the remaining Jews from the city.  

In 1948 the Jordanians captured Hevron. In 1967 it finally returned to Jewish governance, after some 1900 years!

This should have been the start of a wonderful partnership. Mostly religious Jews returning to the mostly religious city of the forefathers. But instead of welcoming the returning Jews with friendship and reconciliation, the local Arabs started to murder again. Instead of recognizing an opportunity for asking forgiveness and building a joint future together, they sought to destroy. Much like the century past.

The cave of the Patriarchs - Me'arat HaMachpela in Hevron 

The potential for Hevron as a place of worship, tourism and spiritual light is immense. It is a pity that in the shadow of our common ancestors, we cannot find a common agenda that would make them proud of their offspring.

There are extremists on both sides that desecrate the legacy of our forefathers.

It is time to try again. 


The Arabs need to understand that this is the Jew’s G-d given land. The Jews need to help the Arabs understand that their personal property and civilian rights are recognized and respected. The Arabs need to feel secure in the knowledge that they can maintain their religion, culture and language in the Land of Israel.

With mutual respect and understanding, the future could be paradise on earth. I feel sure that the Forefathers would agree.