Hebron’s Jewish community finishes restoring tomb belonging to ancestors of biblical King David

Hebron's Jewish community completed a four-year restoration of the Tomb of Yishai and Ruth atop Tel Hebron. The project, spearheaded by Yishai Fleisher, a member of Otzma Yehudit, included a new synagogue, study hall, and a restored Byzantine-era chamber. The site is believed to be the burial place of King David's father and great-grandmother. The restoration cost roughly one million dollars and aims to connect younger generations to heritage sites.

Hebron's Jewish community completed a four-year restoration of the Tomb of Yishai and Ruth atop Tel Hebron in the West Bank on Tuesday. The project was spearheaded by Yishai Fleisher, the community's international spokesperson and a member of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. The tomb is believed by Jewish sources to be the burial place of King David's father, Yishai, and his great-grandmother, Ruth the Moabite. Fleisher explained the site's spiritual significance, linking it to the Cave of the Patriarchs. The design drew on the turquoise color associated with Safed. The graves were redesigned using stone, calligraphic inscriptions, a Star of David, and a wheat motif. The project, costing roughly one million dollars fundraised by Fleisher, included a new synagogue, study hall, a restored Byzantine-era chamber converted into a scribe's studio, shaded seating areas, water fountains, restrooms, a small event hall, a courtyard, parking, and direct access to the Tel Hebron archaeological park. Fleisher stated his view that heritage sites need to be beautiful to connect younger generations.