This interview with Gidon Ariel, an Orthodox Jew from Kiryat Arba, explores the rich history and enduring significance of Hebron to the Jewish community. Hebron’s Jewish roots trace back 4,000 years to Abraham, and it remains one of Israel’s four holy cities. Despite historical exiles, a Jewish presence persisted in Hebron for centuries.

The discussion highlights the tragic 1929 massacre, where 66 Jews were brutally killed, leading to the displacement of the Jewish community under British mandate. After Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War, Jews began returning to Hebron despite political and social challenges. Today, a small Jewish community coexists amid a predominantly Arab population, with restricted movement under the Hebron Accords.

Gidon reflects on the resilience of Hebron’s Jewish community, the significance of the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and the ongoing hope for peace between Jews and Arabs. Special ceremonies, such as the commemoration of the 1929 massacres, continue to honor Hebron’s profound legacy while fostering a vision for coexistence.