Gazing out from Har Hatzofim Tower, can you feel the weight of history? The Har Hatzofim Tower stands on Mount Scopus. Both “Hatzofim” and “Scopus” describe how this mountain “looks over” Jerusalem. From here, we see layers of conquerors and liberators.
The Roman legions of Titus camped here. They captured Jerusalem. Later, the Crusaders in 1099 also used this vantage point. In 1917, British forces did the same.
Interestingly, the Arab Legion captured this mountain. This happened during the War of Liberation. However, they failed to conquer Jerusalem from here. Their predecessors succeeded.
After the 1967 war, East Jerusalem was liberated. Jewish institutions on the mountain returned. These included Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University. They were restored to public service.
Now, let’s talk about the views from Har Hatzofim Tower. Standing here, we have a great view. We see Jerusalem’s Old and New cities. The city has expanded miraculously. This rebuilding started only about 152 years ago. Perhaps we witness the fruits of countless prayers. These prayers requested the building of Jerusalem.
However, the Golden Dome causes pain. It stands where our Beis Hamikdash should be. Seeing this violation motivates us to cry out. “Let Moshiach come!” we pray.
Har Hatzofim lookout point sits at 2710 feet above sea level. This height reveals Jerusalem’s skyline. Strict building regulations keep the city uniform. They limit the height of most structures. This allows us to view the whole city from many vantage points. The city seems to swoop up and down the hillsides.
From 1917 to 1948, the British ruled Jerusalem. They mandated the use of local limestone. This stone is known as Jerusalem stone. Its pinkish-white color changes with the light. Many call Jerusalem the City of Gold. At certain times, the sun shines on Jerusalem stone. This makes the city appear golden.
Looking out, we can spot different landmarks. Shmuel Hanavi’s grave site is to the right. Below it lies Ramot. Slightly to the left is Ramat Shlomo. The Belzer Beis Medrash crowns Ezras Torah. We also see Kiryat Sanz, Unsdorf, Mattersdorf, and Romema.
Moving left, we see the String Bridge. We also spot the Clal Building and Nachla’ot. The Great Synagogue and Crown Plaza Hotel are visible. Further out, we find the King David Hotel and Kiryat Yovel. We can even see Gilo and Beit Lechem.
In the Old City, the Golden Dome stands out. Above it is the Muslim Quarter. Above that lies the Christian Quarter. The Jewish Quarter features the Churvah. The Armenian Quarter and Har Zion are further back.
To the far left is the slope of Har Hazeisim. The Augusta Victoria Tower resembles medieval German castles. It was named for Kaiser Wilhelm II’s wife.
Originally, people associated the Hebrew University with Har Hazeisim. Some called it “Der Toiter Universita”. This means “The Dead University.” To change this image, founders named the district Har Hatzofim. “Hatzofim” means “Mount of the Watchers”. It suits the area well.
After the 1948 War of Independence, Mount Scopus remained in Jewish hands. However, it was on the Jordanian side. Israeli soldiers disguised themselves as policemen. They traveled in convoys to guard the area. The UN protected the Hebrew University and Hadassah Hospital. Despite this, the institutions could not reopen.
The 1967 war reunited Jerusalem. The institutions on Har Hatzofim were restored. These included Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University. They returned to public service. From this tower, we remember the past. We also celebrate the present. We look forward to the future of Jerusalem.