The Kidron Valley Jerusalem – Past, Present and Future

Collage of Kidron Valley

The Kidron Valley starts in the northern part of the city of Jerusalem and flows through the eastern side of the Old City, separating the Temple mount from the Mount of Olives, before continuing through the Judean desert and connecting to the Dead Sea. 

Nahal Kidron has the largest quantity of wastewater flowing through it in Israel, some 14 million cubic meters annually. Some of this effluent comes from Arab and Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem that have not been hooked up to the wastewater treatment system that serves the western part of the city ruining the historic Kidron Valley (Source). Furthermore, because of various political disputes considering Jerusalem, there were obstacles in building a treatment center on its route which is under international dispute.

Throughout most of history, this river was considered the geographic and municipal boundary of Jerusalem and therefore ancient cemeteries were established on its outskirts that were considered out of town. Over time, different religions tied themselves to this river and its route that leads to Mount Zion, Mount Moriah and the Mount of Olives. This river incorporates cultural and historical richness as well as innate beauty.

Photo Credit: Eliyahu Hershkovitz, The Christian Science Monitor

About the Tour

This tour explores the environmental history of the Kidron Valley up to modern days. We will start with observing the valley from Mount Scopus, we continue with a  discussion about its  history at the foot of the Mount of Olives and we end with a walk along the river while discussing its waste water challenges.

The last part of the tour presents various environmental projects around the Kidron Valley and discusses whether its future will be an expression of the ongoing conflict or it whether will serve as a bridge of religious dialogue and cooperation for the sake of the environment.

Optional: To finish our tour, we offer an optional interfaith panel that will host representatives of the three religions of Jerusalem that will discuss the connection between faith and the environment. We also offer the possibility of eco-volunteering in one of the community gardens along the Kidron valley.

Get in touch with us today and we will help you plan your trip!

Eco Israel Tours works with groups and individuals from around the world.