Yemin Moshe - one of Jerusalem's historically significant neighbourhoods

Yemin Moshe is one of Jerusalem’s most picturesque & historically significant neighbourhoods, known for its iconic windmill & stunning views of the Old City. It was one of the first Jewish neighbourhoods built outside the Old City walls, marking a major step in the expansion of Jerusalem.

The land was purchased from the Arab Al-Khalidi family & the neighbourhood was built in 1891 with funding from Sir Moses Montefiore, a British Jewish philanthropist; it was named in his honour. (“Yemin Moshe” means “Moses’ Right Hand” in Hebrew). Montefiore sought to improve the living conditions of Jerusalem’s Jewish community, which at the time was crowded inside the Old City, creating modern homes with better sanitation, fresh air & more space.

One of the most famous landmarks, the Montefiore Windmill, was built in 1857 - before the neighbourhood itself - as part of Montefiore’s efforts to promote economic self-sufficiency among Jerusalem’s Jews. However, it was largely ineffective due to a lack of strong winds.

Initially, few residents were willing to move to Yemin Moshe due to concerns about security outside the city walls. To encourage settlement, Montefiore’s fund provided financial incentives, including low-cost housing & food subsidies.

In the early 20th century, the neighbourhood expanded with the construction of Mishkenot Sha’ananim, another residential area nearby. Over time, Yemin Moshe became home to a growing Jewish community.

During Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, Yemin Moshe was on the front lines, facing constant attacks from Jordanian forces occupying the Old City. The neighbourhood was heavily damaged, & after the war, it became an isolated & dangerous border zone between Israeli-controlled West Jerusalem & Jordanian-held East Jerusalem. Many residents left, & the area fell into neglect.

After the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel reunified Jerusalem, Yemin Moshe underwent a major restoration. The Israeli government transformed the area into an upscale neighborhood, preserving its historic stone buildings while modernizing the infrastructure. It became a centre for artists, intellectuals & wealthy residents, known for its charming courtyards, galleries & cultural institutions.

Today, Yemin Moshe is highly desirable, with beautifully restored homes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and breathtaking views of the Old City. While it retains its historical character, it is now primarily home to affluent residents & part-time foreign homeowners.

Picture credit נסים הביב