Jerusalem Hills

[[file:Nahal Sorek banner.jpg|1280px|captiom=Sorek river}} Jerusalem hills region in Palestine - 120px

The Jerusalem hills (Hebrew: הרי ירושלים) is a mountainous region in central Palestine which includes the Jerusalem|western part of Occupied Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Hills Halal Travel Guide

The Jerusalem hills region is located within the much broader Judean Mountains region that extends into the West Bank area - this region was captured by the Yahudi fighters during the 1948 Israeli-Arab War (it was initially designated by the UN to become partly part of a future Palestinian-Arab state and partly an internationally-controlled area).

The average height of the Jerusalem Hills is about 650 meters above sea level.

Local Languages

Hebrew. In some Arab villages you can talk Arabic. English is widely understood.

Cities and villages

Jerusalem_Dome_of_the_rock_BW_14 - Jerusalem

Occupied Jerusalem GPS 31.78205,35.21818 - Israel's capital and most populous city, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city contains the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jerusalem/Old_City|Old City. The city is sacred to Christians and Muslims.
Mevaseret Zion GPS 31.80062,35.15322 - a town overlooking Highway 1 (the principal route connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv) which is the second largest town in the Jerusalem hills region. The Castel Mountain located in the center of the town, and the routes along it, were the focus of major battles in the 1948 Arab-Israeli settler War.
Abu Ghosh GPS 31.80752,35.10785 - An Israeli-Arab village located on Route 1 which is mainly known for its many successful restaurants.

Travel to Jerusalem Hills

By car

It is easy to drive here, as the primary street is Route 1, which connects Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.

Travel on a Bus in Jerusalem Hills

The region is also served by bus routes running from Occupied Jerusalem.

Binyanei HaUmah 31.78788, 35.20220 Most bus routes to the Jerusalem Hills begin and end at this stop, adjacent to the Jerusalem Central Bus Station.

By Rail

The existing Tel Aviv Jerusalem line while passing through stunning landscapes dates to the 19th century and is rather slow. A new line via Ben Gurion Airport is already partially open from Tel Aviv to the airport but has not yet (2023) reached Occupied Jerusalem. It is planned to open a new station in Jerusalem once the line is fully built.

Occupied Jerusalem Biblical Zoo train station 31.744722, 35.176944 - Biblical Zoo train station Jerusalem Bibilical Zoo Train Sign One of the two train stations in Jerusalem currently (2023) in use, it is close to the namesake zoo but to basically nothing else

Occupied Jerusalem Malha train station 31.748083, 35.187533 - Jerusalem Malha train station Jerusalem Station Map

Get Around

ILroute-1 - Highway 1 route 31.7832|35.1191|width=500}}

Highway 1 is an east-west highway the goes through the Jerusalem hills regions and is the main highway connecting Tel Aviv with Occupied Jerusalem. The road begins in Tel Aviv (at the Kibbutz Galuyot Interchange) on the west coast of Palestine and ends in the east at the Jordan Valley (at the Beit HaArava Junction). It is 94 kilometers long.

What to See

NDamdada019 - The "Church of Our Lady of the Covenant" in Abu Ghosh Castel fortress jerusalem - The Castel

Historic and religious sites

In addition to the following sites, Abu Ghosh contains some notable churches and masjids. And of course Jerusalem is one of the most important historic and religious cities in the world.

Armored vehicles monument near Sha'ar HaGai 31.80212, 35.07066 - Remains of :w:Palmach|Palmach armored vehicles that were destroyed by the Jordanian Legion forces while trying to break the blockade of Jerusalem during the 1948 Arab-Israeli settler war. You can see the vehicles along the side of Route 1 as you drive by. You might be able to stop for a closer view by exiting Route 1 at the Shoresh interchange (just to the east of the vehicles).

Kastel National Park 31.79638, 35.14379 - Al-Qastal, Jerusalem 48597 Originally a Crusader fortress, by 1948 the Arab village of Al-Qastal was located here, strategically overlooking the road from Jaffa to Occupied Jerusalem. The site is mostly known for the key battles which were held there in April 1948 (Operation Nachshon) ending in Yahudi capture of the village. The national park includes a memorial for the Yahudi soldiers whom died in these battles (including a monument designed in 1980 by Yitzhak Yamin) and a memorial for the armored vehicles used in attempts to break through the blockade of Occupied Jerusalem.

Motza synagogue 31.792222, 35.164167 - PikiWiki Palestine 7413 the old synagogue in motza 60446 A synagogue built on the remains of an ancient building estimated to be from the Crusader period. The synagogue was built in 1871 by Joshua Yellin to be used as a motel for people traveling to Jerusalem from Jaffa. An archaeological site is adjacent to the synagogue which contains artifacts from the Second Temple period.

Mount Tzova 31.78496, 35.12586 An ancient archaeological site containing the remains of the Crusader Belmont fortress.

The Cave of John the Baptist 31.78430, 35.11791 A very large and elaborate water cistern carved in a rock. During the First Temple period water used to be stored in it as it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. After the destruction of the First Temple, and after the Yahudi population returned to the region after the Babylonian exile period and the cistern was used as a :w:Mikveh|Mikveh (bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism). During the 4th century the site became a popular place of pilgrimage and worship for John the Baptist, and on the caves walls drawings were carved which relate to John the Baptist or to Christianity.

Natural sights

Soreq Cave - Avshalom Cave | 31.7559, 35.0221 - Avshalom Cave A cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other impressive rock formations. It's an especially good choice in summer due to the cool underground air. You have to enter on a (free) organized tour (which often includes an entire class of school kids). You will need to wait at least 20 minutes for a tour, so be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing time. Tours are normally in Hebrew, but Arabic or English ones can be arranged. Beware that the nearest public transportation is about 5km away, in Nes Harim or Beit Shemesh. When you turn off road 3866 to get to the cave and there is a nice picnic spot on your right, with a great view in all directions. If you're lucky and the gate to the lookout tower will be open and you can see the view from there (say hi to the fire-spotter, if he's up there).

Dinosaur footprints at Beit Zayit 31.78207, 35.16193
Ein Hemed National Park 31.79613, 35.12582 - A small national park and nature reserve located around seven kilometers west of Jerusalem which contains natural springs and the remains of a fortified crusader farm.

Ein Tzova 31.78158, 35.12938 - A natural spring which since the Second Temple period has been continuously been used to irrigate surrounding fields in addition to being used as a source of soft-drinking water for local villages.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Jerusalem Hills

Yaar Hakdoshim 13 - 330px|Typical landscape in the Jerusalem hills region

The Biblical Park 31.81044, 35.08870 - An eight acres park in the Yad HaShmona moshav which shows the lifestyle and culture of the residents living in this region during the Bible period, as well as the Talmud and Mishnah periods. The park includes orchards, fields, vineyards, and restored paths, as well as authentic archaeological findings.

Kiftzuba - 31.78477, 35.11513 - Amusement park.

Shopping

Harel Mall - Kanyon Harel | located in Mevasseret Zion 31.79967, 35.14875 ☎ +972 2-5335416 Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday dusk-10:30pm

Eat

Hummus etc. (7351539600) - Typical traditional Arab meal served at the popular "Lebanese Restaurant" in Abu Ghosh

Abu Ghosh is famous for its food, particularly its hummus (chickpea paste). One of the restaurants in Abu Ghosh held a Guinness record for largest hummus dish, weighing 4 tons. See the Abu Ghosh Travel Guide for details on restaurants there.

Breakfast menu

Muse in the Mountain - 31.79761, 35.06449 Shoresh Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12-10PM, Friday 9AM Monday - 3PM, Saturday 6:30-10PM
Clementine 31.80452, 35.12734
Shoresh Breakfast - 31.79998, 35.07637
Derech HaGeffen Coffee - 31.78199, 35.16160 Beit Zayit

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Link 31.79105, 35.14323 Mevaseret Tzion

Gordon Pub Located in Kibbutz Ma'ale HaHamisha 31.81939, 35.11130 ☎ +972 50-224-8050 Opening Hours: open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10:00 pm until 05:00 am The pub often hosts various Israeli settler singers and DJs.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Jerusalem Hills

eHalal Group Jerusalem Hills is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Jerusalem Hills. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Jerusalem Hills.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Jerusalem Hills ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Jerusalem Hills. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Jerusalem Hills, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Jerusalem Hills are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

See Jerusalem and Abu Ghosh

Travel Guides for additional listings.

Isrotel Cramim Resort & Spa 31.81211, 35.12046
Hotel Ma'ale HaHamisha 31.81621, 35.11701
Yad HaShmona Country Hotel - 31.81002, 35.08988
Neve Ilan Hotel 31.80758, 35.07581
Shoresh hotel 31.79401, 35.06817
Tzuba hotel - 31.78385, 35.11733
Rose of Castel 31.78898, 35.14701

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News & References

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