The Semiramis Hotel Bombing: A Tragic Event in Jerusalem's History
On January 5, 1948, a devastating bombing at the Semiramis Hotel in the Katamon neighborhood of Jerusalem marked a dark chapter in the city's history. Orchestrated by the Zionist Haganah gang, this attack resulted in the deaths of 26 Palestinians, including men, women, and children, many of whom belonged to the Abu Sawan family. The bombing not only caused immense loss of life but also triggered a mass exodus of residents from the area, as fear spread among the local population due to the proximity of Jewish neighborhoods.
The Execution of the Attack
The Haganah's attack was meticulously planned, taking advantage of severe weather conditions that resulted in a power outage in the Katamon neighborhood. Under the cover of darkness and confusion, the attackers detonated a small bomb to breach the hotel’s outer gates before unleashing a larger explosive device that devastated the lower levels. The aftermath was chaotic, with first responders struggling to retrieve bodies and assist the wounded amidst the destruction. The attack was compounded by gunfire directed at neighboring Palestinian homes during the Haganah's retreat, further escalating the violence.
A Series of Atrocities
The Semiramis Hotel bombing was not an isolated incident; it was part of a broader campaign of violence against Palestinians during the early months of 1948. This period saw numerous assaults, including the bombing of the government palace in Jaffa and attacks in various neighborhoods of Jerusalem, resulting in significant casualties. The response from Arab forces was swift, culminating in a retaliatory bombing on Ben Yehuda Street that killed 58 members of Zionist gangs. These events reflect the escalating tensions and violence that characterized the lead-up to the establishment of the state of Israel, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history.
