Beit Hamuchtar

Beit Hamuchtar

Beit Hamuchtar – Zichron Yaakov

Underneath the house, a historical tunnel was discovered during the conservation and restoration of the house.

Beit Hamuchtar is a spectacular historic house in the heart of Zichron Yaakov’s pedestrian street, overlooking Mount Carmel. The building had undergone careful restoration and preservation.

It was built by Ezekiel Hornstein who immigrated with his family to the land of Israel in 1882 and was one of the founders of Zichron Yaakov. Being a key public figure, industry entrepreneur, polyglot, well versed in government law, and a man of vision, action, wisdom, and charisma, Ezekiel Hornstein was appointed Muchtar (head of village) of the Moshava by the Ottoman government.

Due to his position, his home was erected in the highest most central spot of the Moshava and included an aqueduct that led water to the Binyamin Pool reservoir – the first water-works in the land of Israel.

During the conservation and restoration of the house, a historical tunnel was discovered. It was excavated underneath the house and connected the next-door Aaronson family home to an exit on the mountain slopes. A member of the NILI espionage network, Yosef Lishansk, found refuge in this tunnel.

The complex currently offers halls, outdoor plazas, adjacent parking, and a variety of options for holding private and business events.