According to local legend, Jabel Mukabar in Jerusalem got its name from a significant historical event. It is said that Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of the Islamic Caliphate, stood on this very spot and cried “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great). This event is believed to have happened in 638 CE when Umar came to Jerusalem to accept the city’s surrender. This hill, now known as Jabel Mukabar, holds a special place in Islamic tradition as a testament to the city’s pivotal moment in history. Jabel Mukabar has seen a rich history over the centuries. During the British Mandate era, it was home to the British High Commissioner’s offices. At that time, the area was referred to as the “Hill of Evil Counsel”, based on a medieval Christian belief that it was the place where Judas plotted to betray Jesus. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Jabel Mukabar came under Israeli control and has been a focal point in the complex Arab-Israeli conflict. Despite the challenges, Jabel Mukabar remains a vibrant neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It’s a place where history echoes in every corner and where the spirit of its people endures.
Yeusefiya Cemetery
Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history