A group of Israelis is restoring one of Judaism’s significant holy sites—the tombs of King David’s ancestors, Jesse and Ruth—located in Hebron, in the heart of Judea and Samaria. Yishai Fleischer, the international spokesperson for the Jewish community of Hebron, sees this restoration as fulfilling biblical prophecy. He referenced Isaiah 11:10, which speaks of Jesse’s “resting place” being glorious, a vision that’s taking shape as the site is returned to prominence.
Jesse, King David’s father, and Ruth, David’s great-grandmother, hold pivotal places in Jewish tradition. Their tombs, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, are now being revitalized. According to Fleischer, the site’s buildings were in a state of decay when renovations began a few years ago.
“It was all filled with dirt and dead animals,” he remarked, but now, the restoration efforts have brought new life to the space, including running water, electricity, and air conditioning.
The project has transformed not only the appearance but also the functionality of the tomb complex. Stone walls, tile flooring, and painted railings now enhance the structures, making the site more attractive and accessible to visitors.
A synagogue, a learning space, and even a garden have been added, ensuring that the area is both spiritually enriching and practically accommodating for pilgrims. Fleischer emphasized the importance of restoring the tombs, suggesting that divine providence may have played a role in preserving the buildings until now.
Hebron, one of the holiest cities in Judaism, is also home to the Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives are said to be buried. The Tomb of Ruth, perched on a hilltop in Tel Rumeida, falls under Israeli control and remains a symbol of the Jewish people’s deep-rooted connection to the land.
Though the historical accuracy of Ruth’s burial here is debated, the site has long been a place of commemoration, particularly during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when the Book of Ruth is read.
The significance of Hebron in Jewish history cannot be overstated. It was here that King David was crowned and ruled for the first seven years of his reign. The Jewish community in Hebron has maintained a nearly continuous presence for over 3,500 years, despite periodic disruptions, including the 1929 massacre that claimed the lives of 67 Jews. The community was re-established after the 1967 Six-Day War and now numbers about 1,000 people.
Fleischer and others involved in the restoration efforts see their work as part of a broader movement to rejuvenate the Jewish connection to ancient biblical sites. “We made a little spot that was holy, we made it feel holy, made it look holy,” Fleischer said, underscoring the spiritual rebirth of the site. For many, the restoration of the Tomb of Ruth and Jesse is not just a physical reconstruction but a renewal of a sacred legacy stretching back millennia.
