Ottoman Governor's Siege of Tiberias 300 Years Ago Recalled

A historical account details the 1742 siege of Tiberias by the Ottoman governor of Damascus, Suleiman al-Adham, against the independent Galilean ruler Daher al-Omar. The narrative, framed by reflections on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and the tradition of "Simchat Beit HaShoeva" (rejoicing in the Water Drawing ceremony), highlights the courage and faith of Rabbi Chaim Abulafia.

Three hundred years ago, Rabbi Abulafia, who had recently re-established the Jewish community in Tiberias at the request of al-Omar, received a dire warning from Jewish bankers in Damascus. They informed him of an impending surprise attack by the governor of Damascus, who intended to destroy the city's walls and depose al-Omar. Despite the urgency, al-Omar initially dismissed the warning, believing it to be a ploy to weaken him, and relied on assurances from the governor of Sidon.

The siege lasted 83 days, during which Tiberias was bombarded. However, the city's defenses held, and the attackers' projectiles largely missed their targets. The Jewish community, led by Rabbi Abulafia, continued to observe Sukkot, including the Simchat Beit HaShoeva, amidst the ongoing conflict, finding solace and strength in their traditions.

The siege ended when the governor of Damascus was forced to depart for Mecca by imperial decree. He died of illness before he could launch a renewed attack, and a new governor subsequently made peace with al-Omar, securing a period of quiet for Tiberias. The article connects this historical event to contemporary reflections on resilience and the importance of joy even in difficult times, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks.