Lost in the echoes of time, we find ourselves at the Pool of Israel. This public cistern once stood on the northeastern corner of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Imagine this place bustling with activity centuries ago.
The Pool of Israel, also known as Birket Israel, was more than just a water reservoir. It was a vital part of Jerusalem’s water system. Some believe it was built during the Late Roman or Umayyad period. Others suggest it dates back to the Herodian period. Muslim tradition credits its construction to Ezekiel or Hezekiah.
This pool wasn’t small. It measured about 109.7 meters long and 38.4 meters wide. Its maximum depth reached 26 meters. The Pool of Israel held an impressive 120,000 cubic meters of water. For centuries, it served as a crucial part of Jerusalem’s rainwater storage.
But the Pool of Israel had another important function. It served as a moat. It protected the northern wall of the Temple Mount. Think of it as a natural defense system. The eastern and western ends were partially rock-cut and partly masonry. The sides were lined with masonry. The bottom was covered with a thick layer of Roman concrete and cement.
Interestingly, the Pool of Israel was once misidentified as the Pool of Bethesda. Christian pilgrims in the 19th century believed it was the “Sheep Pool” mentioned in the Gospel of John. They associated it with the nearby St. Stephen’s Gate. This gate, they thought, was the Sheep Gate from the New Testament.
However, the real Pool of Bethesda is now believed to be located in the grounds of the Church of St. Anne. The Pool of Israel’s role as a water reservoir diminished over time. By the mid-19th century, it fell into disuse. By the late 19th century, it was filled with refuse, and part of it was used as a vegetable garden.
In 1934, the pool was completely filled in. This was due to public health concerns. Today, the area is known as el-Ghazali Square. It’s used as a car park and a collection point for refuse. There are also some small shops.
The East Jerusalem Development Company once planned to excavate the reservoir. They wanted to build a multi-story car park. But waqf authorities rejected the plan. They feared that clearance work would endanger the Haram compound. So, in 1981, a small square with benches was built on part of the covered pool.
As we stand here, it’s hard to imagine the Pool of Israel in its former glory. Once a crucial water source and defensive structure, it’s now a bustling square. Yet, its history remains, a testament to Jerusalem’s rich and complex past. The Pool of Israel, though hidden, still whispers tales of ancient engineers and the city’s enduring quest for survival.