The period of Arab and Crusader occupation
638 – The Arab Conquest. Islam holds holy places in Jerusalem and Hebron. A mosque was built in the southern part of the building above the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Jews continue to pray in the synagogue in the northern part of the building. Jewish communities in the southern Hebron hills are falling apart.
1000 – Saadia Habaroni Family "Avot Ha'olam" serves Jewish pilgrims to pray in the Cave of the Patriarchs.
1100 – Crusader occupation. The deportation of the Jews of Hebron. A church is built on the eastern side of the building above the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and a fortress on its southern side. Jews continue to visit the building and pray there.
1166 – Maimonides visits Hebron and prays in the Cave of the Patriarchs
1171 – Rabbi Benjamin of Tudela visits Hebron and prays in the Cave of the Patriarchs.
