Wadi al-Joz

Basic Information

Type

Neighborhood

Governorate

Jerusalem

Region

Jerusalem

Overview

Wadi al-Joz (Valley of the Walnuts) is a Palestinian neighborhood in central occupied East Jerusalem, located at the head of the Kidron Valley just north of the Old City walls. The name is believed to be an Arabic corruption of 'Valley of Josaphat' (Wadi Jehoshaphat), the biblical valley where, according to tradition, the Final Judgment will take place. The neighborhood was established in the late 19th century when wealthy Arab Jerusalemite families — including the Dajani, Husseini, and Khalidi families — built summer houses outside Herod's Gate to escape the summer heat of the crowded Old City. Between 1948 and 1967, Wadi al-Joz developed significantly, absorbing refugees from West Jerusalem neighborhoods that fell to Israeli forces in 1948 and migrants from West Bank villages seeking work in the city. The neighborhood is famous throughout Jerusalem for its car repair industry, which was established on waqf (religious endowment) land by Rawhi Khatib, the last Palestinian mayor of Jerusalem before Israel deposed him. Today, Wadi al-Joz's auto repair garages line the main road and serve customers from across the Jerusalem area.

Historical Significance

Wealthy Arab families built summer residences here in the late 19th century. Car repair industrial zone established by Mayor Rawhi Khatib.

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
• BADIL Resource Center

Famous for car repair industry