As Jerusalem Day approaches, I sought a fresh perspective for writing—because Jerusalem is a city in which everyone holds a personal connection. Each visitor carries a memory etched in their heart: a stone at the Western Wall leaned on in prayer, a family site, or a historical place that ties them to the soul of the city.
Whether it’s the City of David, the Western Wall, the Jewish Quarter, the Biblical Zoo, the aquarium, or an energetic and culinary experience during one of the city’s many vibrant events—Jerusalem rarely surprises, because every corner is already a well-known chapter of history.
And yet, this city still holds countless new surprises. One of them is Ramot Forest and the Valley of the Cedars—Jerusalem’s green and evolving frontier.
Over the past year, I discovered several scenic spots and hidden corners in the forest that moved me deeply. These places offered a sense of serenity I once believed could only be found in remote forests far from the capital. Ramot Forest and the Valley of the Cedars, while not part of the city’s historic core, are adjacent to Lifta—a location every Jerusalem teen has visited, and where many have swum in its spring.
Within Ramot Forest you’ll find shaded seating areas, a large playground, and a breathtaking view of the city’s entrance—lush, green, and uniquely Jerusalemite in its landscape. The Valley of the Cedars includes a seasonal stream that flows during the rains, a beautiful family and sports park, and an area known as “Biblical Forest,” featuring ancient archaeological finds. The forest’s elevated location offers stunning vistas that blend nature into the city’s heart.
Across from the forest entrance, on Derech HaHoreh Street, sits a restaurant aptly named “The Forest.” To explore its story and flavors, I met with David Amor, the head chef and co-owner. The sparkle in his eye immediately revealed his joy and passion for the craft. “The concept behind the restaurant,” David shared, “is to combine culinary art with creativity and environmental inspiration.”
The menu features fresh pasta, salads, pizzas, calzones, breakfast options, dinners, and unique weekend specials. The dish I tasted—“The King’s Palace”—was a decadent tortellini in a truffle, chestnut, honey, and walnut sauce. A royal and delicious experience indeed.
David added, “Ramot Forest, after which the restaurant is named, is a magical place preserving a rich ecosystem—deer, foxes, rare birds, and even hyenas are sometimes spotted here. Soon, we’ll launch a nature photography contest, and the restaurant will complement the culinary side of the experience for participants.”
The café also serves Italian coffee alongside high-quality French pastries from the local Ramot patisserie. In honor of Jerusalem Day and throughout the coming month, the restaurant will offer a special discount to anyone who brings this article—with an extra discount for families of reserve soldiers. The deal includes a two-person meal for 110 shekels.
Stop 2: Tel El-Ful
Like the soldiers of the Harel Brigade in 1967, we continue west to a unique hill in northern Jerusalem: Tel El-Ful, identified with the biblical Gibeah of Saul. Fighters from the Harel Brigade battled here to gain strategic control during the Six-Day War.
This hill is also linked to the tragic biblical story of the concubine at Gibeah—an event that led to the establishment of Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love and national reconciliation. On that day, the daughters of Israel would dance in vineyards, and young men would choose brides from among them. It was a day of healing after trauma.
Tel El-Ful is a must-visit site—offering panoramic views of Jerusalem from a different angle, and a deep connection to biblical heritage and the legacy of IDF fighters. According to the Bible, Jonathan, son of King Saul, stationed about 1,000 soldiers here and launched the Kingdom of Israel’s first battle against the Philistines from this very site.
I owe a special thanks to Haim Silverstein, founder and chairman of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (full disclosure: I work with him at the center), for introducing me to this remarkable place.
Stop 3: The New Gate
Our final stop is the New Gate in the Old City. On Jerusalem Day, most flock to Damascus Gate or Jaffa Gate—but it’s worth taking a moment for this lesser-known entrance.
To the right of the gate, a plaque honors the Etzel fighters who tried to break into the Jewish Quarter during the 1948 War of Independence. On the left side, another plaque describes the breaching of the city gates by the IDF engineering corps during the Six-Day War.
Each faction sought to memorialize its contribution to Jerusalem’s liberation. Even cartoonist Dosh, in a now-famous caricature published in Maariv on the 28th of Iyar, 1967, illustrated the return to the Western Wall.
Jerusalem: A City of Vision and Unity
Jerusalem is more than a place—it is a vision. It is not merely geography—it is the peak of generations of longing.
After the Six-Day War, Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria taught that Jerusalem was not delivered to the Jewish people in 1948 because of internal division. Only when we entered together—through the Lion’s Gate—as one people, one army, with a unity government and broad international support—did we return to the Old City. In a moment of unity, we received it into our hands.
This Jerusalem Day, let us seek the reflection of our united selves—on the mountain, in the city, in the forest, and in our hearts.
This column is dedicated to the memory of Jerusalem visionary and former CEO of the Jerusalem Development Authority, Eyal Haimovsky, who passed away two weeks ago on a Friday night.
Eyal dedicated his life to the city’s development and progress.
