Ammunition Hill
Yerushalayim
Ammunition Hill, located in northern East Jerusalem near Mount Scopus, was originally a British-built fortified post used to store ammunition during the 1930s. Captured by the Jordanian Arab Legion during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, it became a strategic military site. During the Six-Day War in 1967, it was the scene of one of the fiercest battles, where Israeli paratroopers fought to capture the heavily fortified Jordanian position. The battle lasted several hours and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Today, Ammunition Hill serves as a national memorial site, preserving parts of the original bunkers and trenches. It includes a museum housed within the underground bunkers and commemorates the 182 Israeli soldiers who died in the battle for Jerusalem by the planting of olive trees. The site hosts annual ceremonies on Jerusalem Day and attracts around 200,000 visitors each year, including many soldiers. It also functions as the main induction center for IDF paratroopers, highlighting its ongoing military significance.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully explore the preserved trenches and museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website to avoid queues. The site offers commemorative events on Jerusalem Day and other national holidays, which provide a deeper understanding of its historical importance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the terrain and outdoor exhibits. Groups, including military personnel, often visit, so booking ahead is advisable for larger parties.
Faits intéressants
- •The battle for Ammunition Hill was one of the fiercest of the Six-Day War, with 36 Israeli and 71 Jordanian soldiers killed.
- •The site preserves original bunkers and trenches used during the 1967 battle.
- •182 olive trees were planted on the hill to commemorate the 182 Israeli soldiers who died in the battle for Jerusalem.
- •The hill serves as the main induction center for Israeli paratroopers.
- •In 2019, a commemorative plaque was added honoring Lieutenant General J. F. R. Jacob of the Indian Army on the Wall of Honour at Ammunition Hill.
Histoire
Ammunition Hill was constructed by the British in the 1930s as an ammunition storage post connected to a police academy by fortified trenches.
In the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Jordanian forces seized the hill, cutting off access between Mount Scopus and West Jerusalem.
During the Six-Day War in June 1967, Israeli forces launched a ground assault to capture the hill, facing unexpectedly strong resistance from well-entrenched Jordanian troops.
The battle ended after several hours with Israeli control secured.
In 1975, the site was transformed into a memorial and museum, and in 1987 it was declared a national memorial site.
Guide du lieu
The Bunker Museum1975
Located within the underground bunkers used by Jordanian soldiers, the museum preserves wartime artifacts, exhibits on the battle, and offers visitors an immersive experience of the conditions during the 1967 conflict.
Trenches and Gun Emplacements1930s
Visitors can explore the fortified trenches and gun emplacements that surrounded the hill, which were key defensive positions during the battle. These open-air exhibits provide insight into the tactical challenges faced by both sides.
Olive Tree Memorial1975
182 olive trees planted on the hill commemorate each Israeli soldier who died in the battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
Contact
Téléphone: 02-582-9392