Umm Tuba

Basic Information

Type: Neighborhood
Governorate: Jerusalem
Region: Jerusalem

Overview

Umm Tuba is a Palestinian neighborhood in southeast occupied East Jerusalem, administratively part of Sur Baher. Its name derives from the Byzantine-era name Metofa, which in turn comes from the biblical Netophah — mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the home of two of King David's heroes (2 Samuel 23:28-29). The neighborhood's biblical and archaeological heritage gives it unique historical significance: Iron Age remains include royal seal impressions (lmlk seals) from the reign of King Hezekiah (late 8th century BCE), providing tangible evidence of the administrative system of the Kingdom of Judah. A Byzantine-era monastery with impressive remains has also been excavated, testifying to centuries of Christian presence. Ottoman tax registers from 1596 recorded 36 Muslim households. Since 1967, Umm Tuba has been under Israeli occupation, and its lands have been affected by the construction of the Har Homa settlement on nearby Jabal Abu Ghneim.

Historical Significance

Identified with biblical Netophah. Impressive Byzantine monastery remains found.

Sources and record limitations

Source detail varies by record. Some entries include document and page references; others supply source names only. Check the cited material and the record's limitations before relying on a specific claim.

Ir Amim
B'Tselem
UN OCHA
ARIJ
PCBS
Israel Antiquities Authority (archaeological reports)
BADIL Resource Center

Part of Sur Baher, biblical Netophah