Drone Footage Reveals Solomon’s Pools
Aerial footage showcases Solomon’s Pools, ancient reservoirs that have provided water to Jerusalem for over 2,000 years. Today, these historic sites are at the heart of a modern political debate concerning their preservation and heritage.
Constructed during the Hasmonean period in the 2nd century B.C., the three reservoirs situated between Efrat and Bethlehem were vital sources of water during the Second Temple period. King Herod later upgraded the system to supply his palace-fortress at Herodium.
Efrat’s mayor, Dovi Shefler, emphasizes that Solomon’s Pools are significant not only for Jewish history but also for the future development of Efrat and tourism for all faiths in the region.
The reservoirs can hold around 288,000 cubic meters of water and were historically fed by the Arrub and el-Biyar aqueducts. Renovations during the British Mandate transformed them into a popular spot known as “Jerusalem’s beach.” However, under the Oslo Accords, the area was divided, placing Solomon’s Pools in Area A, under Palestinian control.
Yonatan Marcus, a local official, stated that during the negotiations leading up to the Oslo Accords, it was believed that the pools would remain under Israeli authority. However, due to a mapping error, the reservoirs ended up in Palestinian territory.
Marcus noted that the site has suffered neglect since the Palestinian Authority took over. He claimed that the pools are now contaminated with sewage, despite previous commitments to maintain historical sites.
“Our goal is to protect these magnificent pools, which are significant to Judeo-Christian history,” he stated. The reservoirs are located along a strategic route linking historical sites and require coordinated visits by Israelis due to their placement in Area A.
Recently, pressure from Israeli officials has led to some clean-up efforts, including the removal of significant amounts of garbage from the site.
Ahmad Fattouh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority’s Fatah faction, countered these claims, arguing that Israeli interventions have worsened the water levels and that the Palestinian Authority has worked to develop the site as a tourist attraction.
Meanwhile, Yishai Fleisher, an international spokesperson for Hebron, stated the pools represent a crucial part of Jewish heritage and called for a change in policy to ensure their preservation. He suggested attracting visitors and enhancing accessibility to help secure the site for future generations.
Amid conflicting narratives, it’s clear that Solomon’s Pools remain a powerful symbol of both historical significance and contemporary political tensions.
