
Mishkenot Sha’ananim is the first neighborhood established in 1860 outside the walls of Old Jerusalem. In those days people felt unsafe living outside the city walls because it was dangerous. Moshe Montefiore offered them apartments for free in the neighborhood’s first building. The idea was that because the roof looked similar to the walls of the old city, people would feel safe living outside its walls. Montefiore built a flour and a windmill on top of the hill. Today this first building is a boutique hotel hosting international VIPs.
Close to Mishkenot – Yemin Moshe:
Yemin Moshe is named after Moshe Montefiore and is the second neighborhood established in 1891 outside the walls of the old city of Jerusalem. The neighborhood was close to the border between Israel and Jordan with the Hinnom Valley to its east for 19 years from 1948 to 1967. Today it is resident to many artists, writers and musicians.
Upper right corner of the picture: The King David Hotel, built in the 30’s and considered to be the fanciest hotel in Jerusalem .To the left, the windmill built by Montefiore in Mishkenot Sha’ananim which was only in use for a few years…..