640 CE

Arab Caliph Umar Captures Jerusalem in 637 CE and Allows Jews to Settle in in Jerusalem

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In 637 CE, Byzantine Bishop Sophronius surrendered Jerusalem to Caliph Umar, a companion of Mohammed. A fragment of a Jewish Chronicle found in the Cairo Genizah, written in Judaeo-Arabic, confirms that Caliph Umar wanted to grant permission to 200 Jewish families to settle in Jerusalem. The Christian Patriarch was dead set against it. It was finally agreed to settle 70 Jewish families in Jerusalem.

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Cambridge University Library Ktiv Project- The National Library of Israel.

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Omar, the second caliph, taking possession of Jerusalem in year 638 CE

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A Jewish Chronical fragment found in the Cairo Geniza confirms that Caliph Umar granted the Jews permission to settle in Jerusalem; and on the basis of his decision, 70 families came from Tiberias and settled there.

Moshe Gil, A History of Palestine 634-1099, p. 70-71.

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