“Worker’s Housing A” in Jerusalem, 1930s
Another Once Upon a Time in Jerusalem.
What inspired a group of pioneers to establish a cooperative housing project in Jerusalem during the 1930s, amidst economic challenges and societal shifts? The answer is simple: vision. A vision of affordable, community-centered housing and a better future for those seeking a new beginning in a rapidly evolving land.
Let’s revisit the early 1930s. During this period, the Jewish community in the Land of Israel was experiencing significant growth, and the need for housing had become a pressing issue. The concept of cooperative housing, imported from Europe, where cities like Berlin and Frankfurt had developed social housing for workers affected by World War I, was adopted.
As the General Federation of Labor began building worker’s housing in Tel Aviv and Haifa, the project was more than a solution; it was an innovative attempt to offer hope and a better future.
In the mid-1930s, at 14-16 Ibn Shaprut Street in the Rehavia neighborhood of Jerusalem, “Worker’s Housing A” was constructed. This project, initiated by the Jerusalem Worker’s Council, was not only a response to the housing crisis but also a symbol of the socialist values of a time when everything seemed possible, and land was cheap and abundant.
Construction started in March 1933 and was completed in less than a year. Six two-story buildings were erected in the International Style, emphasizing cubic geometry and natural light. Each apartment was about 70-80 square meters, with a focus on privacy through separate entrances and strategically placed windows. In the center of the complex, between the buildings, there was a large shared courtyard where the neighborhood children played.
Each apartment cost approximately 390 Israeli Lira. The cooperative association provided affordable loans, making it easier for clerks, professionals, and workers to join the project and become part of the community.
The legal structure was unique: land was acquired by a project-specific cooperative association, construction was organized by a housing company on JNF land, and the buildings were financed by the cooperative members.
There was no individual registration of units; instead, each member had a share in the association’s capital proportional to their apartment size.
Selling or renting out an apartment was considered speculative and was prohibited. Those wishing to sell their homes faced a complicated process overseen by an “Evaluation Committee,” with 10% of the sale price allocated to a mutual aid fund. This led to many transactions being officially recorded at one price, while the actual price was often settled informally under the table.
On December 25, 1933, a dedication ceremony was held for the housing complex, attended by organization members, their families, and the local community. Life in the complex resembled that of a small kibbutz, characterized by communal events and holiday celebrations.
The neighborhood was a place of simplicity and warmth, where people lived with a spirit of mutual support.
Notable residents included engineer Yehuda Shapira and meteorologist Uri Betz. In 1944, Berl Katznelson, a key figure in socialist Zionism, visited and tragically passed away at the home of architects Czernyack.
Today, Worker’s Housing A retains its original character and symbolizes the spirit and values of cooperation and mutual aid. While the legal registration and resident demographics have changed significantly, the complex remains a historical landmark and a testament to the importance of community and shared living.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, with nostalgia for the days of community and mutual aid. May the hostages return in good health, alongside all IDF soldiers and evacuated residents from the north and south to their homes.
