How to get to the Cave of the Patriarchs and the al-Ibrahimi Mosque? Many people want to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs while they are in Palestine. It is believed to be the site where Abraham, along with his sons and wives (except for Rachel whose tomb is located outside of Bethlehem) are buried, and so is a very holy place for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Cave is located in the heart of the Old City of Hebron.
The prophet Abraham is considered one of the most important prophets sent by God by all three major monotheistic religions. His tomb makes the Ibrahimi (Abraham) Mosque and the Cave of the Patriarchs the most important Islamic site in Palestine, besides the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Hebron and the Cave of the Patriarchs is also an important site for Christians and Jews, with some rabbis considering the site even more important than the sites of Jerusalem!
The ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis in Hebron is due to the city’s religious significance for both people. The Ibrahimi Mosque is therefore divided into two places of worship, in order to accommodate both Muslims and Jews, mosque and synagogue. It also means that the Ibrahimi Mosque has tight security.
The Cave of the Patriarchs and the Ibrahimi Mosque are two parts of the same building. The Ibrahimi Mosque is similar in construction to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, with the mosque surrounded by a 7-meter wall of large stones.
Visitors and tourists must present passports and visas or identity papers in order to pass through the Israeli checkpoints to gain entry to the site from Hebron. Once through the checkpoint, visitors can walk about freely.
To get to the Ibrahimi Mosque from Jerusalem, you must catch Bus No. 160 to Hebron. You should disembark at a point near the entrance to the Old City. From here, you walk through the Old City to the Ibrahimi Mosque, and signs will guide your way. The walk from the bus to the checkpoint should take about five to six minutes. During your walk, you will pass by many shops that sell Palestinian products, such as carpets, bracelets, and pottery. The area also has small restaurants which provide light sandwiches, sweets, and cold drinks.
How to reach us out?
Please send an email to info@gopalestine.org. In the body of the email tell us of your interest or ask any questions you may have. Very shortly we will reply to you!
