Birgitta Yavari-Ilan shares the story of how she came to live in a stone house in Jerusalem, in a quaint, cobblestone neighborhood called Yemin Moshe. The house: This isn't just any house. Built in 1860, it's a historic stone structure with multiple levels and rooms that offer breathtaking views of the Old City walls.
Birgitta purchased it in 1977 for $50,000 from the Jerusalem Development Authority. Today, its value is immeasurable. 3 Brigitta Yavari-Ilan Photo: Asi Haim "I moved here in 1977.
The house was quite run-down and needed extensive renovations," Birgitta shares. "Before that, I lived in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Eizariya and worked at an orphanage. Now, I live here alone and rent out rooms to students who are temporarily in Jerusalem and looking for an affordable and welcoming place to stay.
They contribute what they can." Yemin Moshe: "This neighborhood is filled with beauty," Birgitta says. "I poured my heart into creating this home, and I love that people wander through the area and appreciate its charm.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have this house and to have shaped it according to my desires. I believe this beauty should be shared," she says. "The architect who renovated the house told me, 'You reside at the best spot in Yemin Moshe, with the most stunning view.
' Sadly, many houses here stand empty, owned by wealthy and pretentious individuals from abroad who display signs prohibiting photography. We don't own the neighborhood, its history or th.
