Nestled in the Judean Mountains, Motza beckons us with tales of resilience and revival. Motza stands as the first Jewish farm established outside the Old City walls in the modern era. Established in 1854, it marked a bold step towards a new chapter in Jewish history. Motza wasn’t just a farm. It was a symbol of hope and a testament to the enduring connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral land. Motza is also close to Tel Motza. This archaeological site holds the remnants of the biblical village of Mozah, mentioned in Joshua 18:26. This connection adds another layer of historical significance to Motza, linking it to the ancient roots of the land.
The story of Motza is one of both prosperity and tragedy. In 1870, the Teperberg Winery, originally called Efrat, was established in Motza, becoming one of Israel’s oldest wineries. This marked a period of growth and development for the village. Just a year later, a remarkable discovery was made. Joshua Yellin, a resident of Motza, unearthed a large subterranean hall from the Byzantine period while plowing his fields. This hall was transformed into a traveler’s inn, offering shelter to pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. This act of hospitality reflects the spirit of community and generosity that characterized Motza. Theodor Herzl himself visited Motza in 1898, captivated by the beauty of the landscape. He planted a cypress tree, which became a pilgrimage site for Zionist youth until it was tragically cut down by the Turks during World War I.
However, tragedy struck Motza in 1929 during the Palestine riots. Despite having good relations with their Arab neighbors, the village was attacked. The Makleff family, along with their two guests, were tragically murdered in their home. This devastating event left a scar on the community, forcing the Jewish residents to abandon the village for a year. Three children miraculously survived the attack. One, Mordechai Maklef, would later become Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army.
Motza, however, was not forgotten. In 2006, the Yellin and Yehuda families took on the task of restoring Joshua Yellin’s original home. This restoration project symbolized the revitalization of Motza’s spirit. Motza stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. It reminds us of the deep-rooted connection between a community and its land, a connection that has withstood the test of time. Today, Motza, now known as Ramat Motza, is part of the Jerusalem Municipality. It continues to evolve, carrying within it the echoes of its rich and complex history.