From its dedication in 1872 until 1948, Tiferet Yisrael was the pride of all Jerusalem. Towering over the Jewish Quarter with a clear view of the Temple Mount, the center served as a second home to the entire Hassidic community of Jerusalem. It attracted new residents escaping poverty in Tzfat and other cities, as well as international dignitaries visiting the holy city.
When David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948, 3 neighboring armies attacked the country and besieged Jerusalem. Following a heroic, six-month fight, the Jewish Quarter fell to the Jordanians. For the first time since the destruction of the Second Temple, every single Jew was forcibly expelled from the city.
The majestic Tiferet Yisrael is scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2026. The original design and decor are being duplicated and reconstructed with modern materials to ensure the inviting authenticity of the center. The restored Tiferet Yisrael will connect visitors to history through two expulsions: from the Second Temple period and the Jordanian expulsion of 1948, highlighted by archaeological discoveries uncovered during construction.
