Picture ancient olive presses. Imagine wine presses cisterns and a limekiln. These are remnants of Sur Baher’s past. Right here before you stands Sur Baher a Palestinian neighborhood. It sits on the southeastern outskirts of East Jerusalem. For centuries Sur Baher has witnessed history unfold. Its location east of Ramat Rachel and northeast of Har Homa is strategic. It has been a place of settlement and conflict.
Sur Baher’s name means the wall of Bahir. This refers to a prominent figure in its history. Archaeological surveys have uncovered fascinating details. They have revealed remains dating back to the Iron Age. A burial cave contained ossuaries arcosolia and benches. These artifacts tell stories of those who lived here long ago. Pottery from the Roman and Byzantine periods also exists. Tombs from the Byzantine era were probably linked to a Georgian monastery at Umm Leisun.
During the Crusader era Sur Baher was known as Casale Sorbael. In 1179 it was mentioned in records. These records show the village’s revenue went to the Mt Zion Abbey. This is a testament to its importance even then. Under Ottoman rule Sur Baher was recorded in tax registers. It had a population of 29 Muslim households. They paid taxes on agricultural products goats and beehives.
Later under the British Mandate Sur Baher’s population grew. The 1922 census showed an all-Muslim population. The 1945 statistics included Umm Tuba showing a combined Muslim population of 2450. They owned thousands of dunams of land. This land was used for agriculture and other purposes.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War brought major changes to Sur Baher. It was occupied and later annexed by Jordan. After the 1967 Six-Day War Sur Baher came under Israeli occupation. Its status became complex. Some parts fell within East Jerusalem’s boundary others within the West Bank. A separation barrier further complicated things.
Israel divided Sur Baher into two main parts J1 and J2. J1 is under the control of the Jerusalem Municipality. J2 has different classifications Area A B and C. Some of J2 is inside the wall some outside. Land was confiscated for Israeli settlements East Talpiot and Har Homa. This led to tensions and disputes over land ownership and resources.
In the 1970s Israel expropriated more land. This land was used for livestock grazing and harvesting. It was used in the building of East Talpiot a Jewish-only neighborhood. This created a shortage of land for Sur Baher residents. It made obtaining building permits difficult. Residents then built homes in valleys across what Israel considered the municipal border.
Despite these difficulties Sur Baher has seen progress. New schools were built after a minefield was cleared. Since 2013 even non-Israeli Palestinian residents receive social security benefits. They also have access to Israeli state healthcare. However demolition of residential buildings in 2019 sparked condemnation from Amnesty International. The demolitions were considered a violation of international law.
Sur Baher’s story is one of resilience. It is a testament to its people’s strength. It is a story of ancient history and ongoing struggle. The land itself whispers stories of its rich and complex past. It’s a place where history and present day intertwine. As we leave Sur Baher remember its enduring spirit. It is a story worth remembering.