Samaritans in Ramla and surrounding area
Communities of Samaritans lived in Ramla and its surroundings many
generations prior to the founding of the city. There are several archeological
remnants left from them. East of Ramla, In 1949, in SHAALVIM located in
Ayalon valley, ruins of a Samaritan synagogue were uncovered probably from
the 5th or 6th century.
In the floor is a mosaic with a verse from the Torah written in Samaritan
writing resembling biblical Hebrew. Also embeded in the mosaic is an image
of the MENORAH, remnants of greek writtings and a drawing of what seems to
be the GRIZIM mountain that is sacred to the Samaritans.
The Samaritans who apparently came from the near area, settled in Ramla
when the city was founded. Other communities of Samaritans are known to
have lived in the villages TZAFRIA and BEIT-DAGON at the time of the Arab
rule.
One Samaritan, a resident of TZAFRIA played an important role in the
governing of Ramla and due to his kindness with the people was named "The
Savior".
It was Heslig & Kims conquering in 1071 and later by the crusaders in 1099
that apparently terminated the Samaritan settlement in Ramla.
