‘Ayn Karim

Pronounced with a soft “r” (Ein Karem), meaning “Spring of the Vineyard”, the town is located 8 kilometers west of Jerusalem, with a slight southern deviation, and is considered one of Jerusalem’s suburbs. It lies at an elevation ranging between 500 and 600 meters above sea level and is known for its abundant water springs, the most prominent of which is the Ein Karem spring, after which the town is named. The total area of its lands is 15,029 dunums.

In 1922, the population of Ein Karem was 1,735, and by 1944, it had increased to 3,180.

Nearby archaeological sites (khirab) include Khirbat al-Hammama to the north, Khirbat Bayt Mazmil to the east, and Khirbat Harish, which lies between Ein Karem and the village of Suba.

The village of Ein Karem was encircled by a military unit composed of various forces, including the Irgun, Lehi (Stern Gang), Gadna (youth battalions of the Haganah), and the Guard Force, during the ten days between the two wartime truces (9–18 July 1948). During this time, Israeli forces sought to strengthen their position in the southeastern area of Jerusalem. The History of the War of Independence notes that the village was initially shelled from two adjacent hills overlooking it—one of which was later named Mount Herzl.

While Israeli historian Benny Morris claims that the villagers “abandoned” it on 11 July 1948, the Haganah account suggests the departure occurred about a week later. An Israeli spokesperson announced on 13 July that Israeli forces had taken control of Ein Karem, while a later report published in The New York Times indicated that the village was occupied in the morning of 18 July 1948.

In 1949, the Israeli authorities established the settlements of Beit Zayit and Even Sapir on the village’s lands. In 1950, the Ein Karem Agricultural School was also established on its land. The remaining lands were annexed by the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem, where the new Hadassah Hospital was constructed.