City Focus Israel: Hevron

Hevron is one of the holy cities of Israel. It is mentioned specifically in Jewish biblical writings. While less than a thousand settlers live in the city limits, it is one of the four holiest cities in Judaism, arguably the second holiest after Jerusalem.

The Cave of the Patriarchs lies in Hevron, and is the burial site of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah. The majority of Jewish residents in the area live in Hevron suburb Kiryat Shmona.

In 1929, the expansionist Arabs in Hevron murdered 67 Jews and injured 60 more. From that time until after the 1967 war, there was no major Jewish population in the city.

Today, the city is a major tension point between Religious Zionists and left wing land-for-peace supporters. If you are in Israel, make sure to visit Hevron. We may not be able to forever.