The story of Mordechai Levy, one of the most influential figures to emerge from Jerusalem’s Kurdish Jewish community, returned to public attention as the city inaugurated the newly named “Mordechai Levy Stairs” in Ramat Sharett. His journey, shaped by the massive Operation Ezra and Nehemiah airlift, the hardships of the Talpiot transit camp, and years of construction work that helped build modern Jerusalem, reflects a larger narrative of migration, resilience and civic contribution.
Levy passed away in 2015 at the age of 88.
The ceremony, attended by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, family members and neighborhood residents, highlighted the personal and historical layers behind the new landmark.
Kurdish Jewish heritage in Jerusalem
The Kurdish Jewish story remains one of the most significant cultural foundations in Jerusalem. Born in Zakho in 1927, Levy arrived in Israel in 1951 as part of Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, a historic movement that brought tens of thousands of Iraqi and Kurdish Jews to the young state.
Like many new immigrants, he was placed in the Talpiot transit camp, a formative place in Jerusalem’s social history. The difficult conditions shaped his sense of purpose, later leading him to join the construction of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, one of the city’s major institutions.
Levy eventually became an independent contractor and built key structures across Jerusalem, including community centers, synagogues in Rehavia and Katamon, and educational buildings. His work is still referenced in searches related to Jerusalem’s construction history and Kurdish Jewish heritage.
Ramat Sharett – foundations of a neighborhood
Levy was the first resident of Ramat Sharett, building his home with his own hands when the area still lacked paved roads, electricity and water infrastructure. Over the years he became a central community figure, remembered for his warmth, civic dedication and deep connection to Jerusalem.
Alongside his professional work, Levy was involved in the Labor Party, the Jerusalem City Council, the Histadrut labor federation and the Contractors Association, where he was respected as a mediator and representative of the Kurdish community.
Jerusalem and commemoration
The inauguration of the “Mordechai Levy Stairs” represents more than the naming of public steps. It reflects Jerusalem’s commitment to honoring individuals who shaped the city’s civic and cultural identity.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion notes that “Mordechai Levy’s life story is deeply intertwined with Jerusalem. From the Talpiot transit camp to building essential institutions, he embodied resilience and dedication. His commemoration here honors both his legacy and the city he helped shape.”
Family members and residents expressed pride, describing the gesture as a bridge between Kurdish Jewish heritage and Jerusalem’s evolving cultural landscape.
As Jerusalem expands its commemoration efforts, Levy’s legacy stands as a reminder that the city’s history is built not only through its institutions, but through the individuals who invested their lives in its growth and character.
