Kibbutz Tzuba sits on a hilltop in the Jerusalem hills, west of the city, on a site that has been inhabited for thousands of years. The kibbutz, founded in 1948 by Palmach veterans, was established on the ruins of the Arab village of Suba, which itself was built over the remains of an ancient city. The tel beneath the kibbutz is identified by some scholars with the biblical Zobah, a kingdom that fought against King David: “David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his monument at the Euphrates River” (2 Samuel 8:3).
Tel Tzuba
The archaeological tell beneath the kibbutz contains remains from the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and later periods. The Crusaders built a fortress here (Belmont Castle), taking advantage of the hilltop’s commanding position overlooking the road to Jerusalem. Fragments of the Crusader fortress are visible in the kibbutz grounds, and the views from the hilltop, encompassing the Jerusalem Corridor, the Judean hills, and on clear days the coastal plain, explain why every civilization that passed through this landscape built on this spot.
Kibbutz
Kibbutz Tzuba today operates a hotel (with panoramic views), a winery, and agricultural enterprises. The kibbutz is a pleasant base for exploring the Jerusalem hills, with hiking trails leading to nearby Sataf, Ein Hemed, and the surrounding JNF forests. The atmosphere is quiet and green, a contrast to the intensity of Jerusalem just 15 minutes away.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Tzuba combines ancient history with kibbutz life. Hoshen Tours visits alongside Sataf for a day of biblical agriculture, forest walks, and Jerusalem hill views.