On a hill overlooking Jerusalem is the village of Nabi Samuel where the Prophet Shmuel is buried.

Because of its strategic location this site played an important role in several wars. During World War One the British defeated the Turks in this area, opening the road to Jerusalem. In Israel's War of Independence the Arabs bombed Jewish Jerusalem from their fortress at the site. They did it again in the Six Day War but Israeli soldiers quickly captured it, making it possible for Jews to once again come to pray at the tomb of the great prophet and judge.