Haas Promenade Offers Majestic Window into Jerusalem's Past and Future

Just beyond the bustling heart of Jerusalem lies a breathtaking viewpoint that connects visitors not only to panoramic beauty but also to profound biblical and historical legacy. The Haas Promenade, known in Hebrew as the Tayelet, offers what is arguably the most stunning view of both ancient and modern Jerusalem and it tells a story as vast and rich as the city it overlooks.

Here, the entire skyline of Jerusalem comes into focus: the golden hues of the Old City walls, the sacred Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and the timeless expanse of the Mount of Olives. But this isn’t just a scenic stop this very hill carries the echoes of divine encounters, royal strategies, miraculous rebirth, and modern military triumph.

According to Jewish tradition, the Haas Promenade is believed to be the very place where Abraham, on his three-day journey from Beer Sheva, looked up and first beheld Mount Moriah the site where he was commanded to offer his son Isaac. It was here, say the sages, that he saw the divine cloud resting upon the mountain, and from here he separated from his attendants, knowing only Isaac could ascend further into holiness. This moment marked not just a test of faith but the foundation of Jewish destiny.

Centuries later, King David likely stood at this same vantage point as he prepared to conquer Jerusalem, the final stronghold of the Jebusites. Using the ancient spine route today’s Highway 60 David would have paused here to strategize, envisioning the capital city that would soon become the eternal home of the Jewish people.

During the Hasmonean era, this mountain posed a unique challenge to Jerusalem’s expanding needs. As the city grew and the Second Temple was restored, a remarkable aqueduct system was engineered to bring water from distant springs to the Temple Mount. Part of this ancient waterway was tunneled directly through the hill beneath what is now the Promenade, an engineering marvel that functioned for nearly two thousand years, right up to the British Mandate era.

And indeed, in the 20th century, the British chose this commanding hilltop to house their High Commissioner’s Palace. Then, in the turbulent years of 1948 to 1967, it served as a Demilitarized Zone untouched by either Israeli or Jordanian sovereignty. That changed dramatically during the Six Day War, when Jordan’s army used the site to launch attacks on West Jerusalem. Despite Israeli diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict, Jordan chose war. Within days, the Israel Defense Forces liberated the Old City and reclaimed Jewish heritage sites that had been inaccessible for nearly two decades.

In 1987, the area was transformed into a beautifully landscaped promenade, inviting locals and tourists alike to walk among the trees, take in the view, and reflect on the deep spiritual and historical resonance of the site.

Today, the Haas Promenade stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a first-time visitor, make this your first stop in the eternal capital it’s not just a photo opportunity, it’s a journey through time.

Share this article with friends and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring insights from the land of our heritage.