Understand

In the ancient times, Hebron, or Khalil in Arabic, was a significant city mentioned in the Bible. It was the home of Abraham, revered as the burial place of him and his descendants. Back then, it even held the title of capital of the Israelite state before the seat of power moved to Jerusalem. Today, Hebron remains a holy place for both Muslims and Jews due to its association with Abraham. Hebron's history is marked by tragedy and resilience. In 1929, nearly 70 Jewish inhabitants were brutally killed, causing the Jewish population to evacuate. However, after the 1967 war, a courageous group of Jewish settlers decided to return during Passover to reclaim their lost heritage. They chose to settle in what was once the Jewish quarter of Hebron, displaying incredible determination. Presently, Hebron is a city of contrasts. Roughly 500 Israeli settlers live in part of the old city under the constant protection of the IDF, with a remarkable ratio of four soldiers for each settler. Meanwhile, the remaining 166,000 residents of the surrounding area are Palestinians. The sacred Cave of Machpelah or the Ibrahimi Mosque, where Abraham is buried, stands as a significant holy site in the city and is located on the border between the Palestinian and Jewish sectors. As you explore Hebron, you'll encounter military checkpoints manned by army or border police, separating the different areas of the old city. While tourists usually pass through with an ID check and some questioning, Palestinians face more severe restrictions, barred from crossing certain checkpoints. It's a complex and compelling city that reflects the ongoing struggles and coexistence between two communities.

Get in

Hebron, a city divided between Palestinian Authority control and Israeli control, offers unique experiences on both sides. Here are the transportation options to explore each area: 1. Palestinian Authority Controlled Side: To visit the majority of the city, catch bus 21 from the Arab bus station near Damascus gate in Jerusalem. The bus will take you to Hebron or Al-Khalil. The fare is less than 10 currency units. The bus will drop you off at the Bethlehem bus station, where you will need to go to the very bottom floor to find a serveese (small collective taxi) that will take you to Hebron. 2. Israeli Controlled Side: If you want to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs and the Israeli-controlled section, take bus 381. The bus will take you directly to the Cave of the Patriarchs. Buses 380 and 382 only go to Kiryat Arba, and you will need to walk for approximately 20 minutes to reach the Cave of the Patriarchs. Buses are available every 15-30 minutes from Jerusalem central bus station. Please note that route 160 no longer operates. The round trip fare can be as low as 10 shekels for students or senior citizens. Additionally, if you are traveling from Be'er Sheva, there are a few buses available. Be sure to check if the bus goes to Hebron and not just to the nearby Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba. For major metropolitan Hebron, you can take a servees taxi from the bus stations in Ramallah or Bethlehem. Alternatively, if you are coming from Jerusalem, take a bus to Abu Dis and inform the driver that you are going to Khalil. The most convenient and affordable way to reach Hebron from Jerusalem is by taking a Service-Taxi to Bethlehem, and then transferring to another Service-Taxi to Hebron. The total cost for a one-way trip to Hebron is approximately 15 currency units.