Galicia

Hidden above the bustling marketplace in Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter lies the Galicia Courtyard. Ever imagine a place where the echoes of Jewish life intertwine with the sounds of a vibrant market? The Galicia Courtyard is just such a place. This complex of houses and yeshivas sits atop the market, a quiet testament to a resilient community. It’s a stone’s throw from the Jewish Quarter, nestled above Chabad Street and west of the Reisin Courtyard. The Galicia Courtyard is more than just a few buildings. It’s part of a larger complex that once housed dozens of apartments and two synagogues. Jewish families lived here until 1936, their lives woven into the fabric of this ancient city. The story of Galicia Courtyard begins with Mordechai Yaffe and Yaakov Hirschensohn. They purchased the land together. After Yaffe’s death in 1841, Hirschensohn sold his share to Yaffe’s heirs, but continued to operate within the courtyard. The land eventually passed into the hands of Shmuel Moshe of Belzov and his wife Tzipora. Galician immigrants themselves, they dedicated the courtyard to Hasidim from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Around 1886, a beacon of faith arose within the courtyard. The Excellent Zion Synagogue was built. Funds from the Belzov family made this possible. Sadly, this synagogue was destroyed by rioters in 1936. But the Galicia Courtyard also housed moments of joy. In 1869, Sara Beila, wife of Yaakov Hirschensohn, created a playground behind the courtyard. It quickly became a beloved spot for local children. Even after the Six-Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem, the story of Galicia Courtyard continued. In 1979, the Atarah L’Yoshnah non-profit began the work of restoration, a task later taken up by Yitzchak Shlomo Zilberman and his sons in 1988. The Zilberman family not only restored the courtyard but also established their Yeshivat Aderet Eliyahu there. Today, they are among the few Jewish families who call the Galicia Courtyard home. The Galicia Courtyard stands as a quiet reminder of a rich history, a place where Jewish learning and life persevere amidst the vibrant tapestry of Jerusalem.