The 82-Year-Old Dutch Physician Caring for a Holy Cave in Peki'in

At 82 years old, Ruth de Jong begins her day before nine in the morning. Before any conversations can take place, she must pray, feed her cats and chickens, water her garden, and sweep the entrance to a cave in the ancient Druze village of Peki'in.

"Yesterday a large group visited, and the place needs to be restored," she explains. De Jong lives a remarkably active life, maintaining her home and making daily visits to the Cave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi). Climbing the long flight of steps leading to the cave is exhausting, but it does not deter her. "In the meantime, I can do it," she says. "And between us, it is very likely that the strength I have is thanks to the fact that I climb to the cave every day. Other people my age go do sports, and this is my physical activity."

Roots and Discovery

De Jong has a fascinating life story. A Dutch accent remains in her voice, but her Hebrew is excellent after many years of living in Israel. She was born in the Netherlands during World War II. Her mother was Dutch, while her father was of mixed German-Jewish descent. "My father's connection to the Jewish people meant that it was not easy for him and his family during the war," she recounts. "At the same time, it sparked a desire in them to learn more about the Jewish people."

Professionally, de Jong is a physician. When she married her husband Abel, a lawyer, she did not know he was Jewish. "He didn't know either," she clarifies, as he was a Holocaust survivor who had been handed over to a Christian family at the age of two and a half and raised as a Christian. He discovered his heritage only after they were already married. "The truth is, I was very excited and happy. Some people were surprised because they thought it should stress me out, but this discovery of Judaism only brought me joy."

From the Netherlands to Israel

After raising three sons in the Netherlands, a fateful discovery changed their lives. Abel happened to enter a shop in a flea market and bought a unique, ancient painting of an unfamiliar figure. When he brought it home, de Jong examined the Hebrew lettering on it and managed to decipher the name: "Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai." They later learned from a museum that the painting was centuries old and originated from Thessaloniki.

The painting hung on their wall, connecting them to Judaism and inspiring de Jong to undergo a formal conversion process over several years. Shortly afterward, she discovered she was pregnant at age 45, and the couple traveled to Israel, where their son Boaz was born. They initially settled in Moshav Amirim, near the Rashbi burial site.

After living in Israel for two and a half years, they returned to the Netherlands for the sake of their children, but their hearts remained in Israel. Nineteen years ago, they purchased a neglected home in old Peki'in, directly adjacent to the Rashbi cave, and moved there permanently.

Living in Peki'in

De Jong is nearly the only Jewish resident in old Peki'in, living alongside Margalit Zinati, the local "keeper of the flame" who has lived there her entire life. "It is not easy being the only Jew in the area," she admits, "but I was relieved when I researched Peki'in and learned that it was originally predominantly Jewish."

Regarding her relationship with her Druze neighbors, she notes that while tensions occasionally arise, relations are generally good. "I have learned over the years to respect everyone. I do not force my culture on anyone, and overall I live my life quietly. I think they are also pleased that I look after the cave, as it is holy and highly valued in their eyes as well."

"I plan to continue my activity as long as I have the strength in my thighs," de Jong says regarding her future. "Perhaps one of my children or grandchildren will want to come live in the house, but one thing is clear—living adjacent to the Rashbi cave must remain."