While the Jewish community in the neighborhood of Silwan (Shiloach) in eastern Jerusalem has elicited fierce criticism from the Israeli left and even the American government, descendants of the original owner of the “Kfar HaTeimanim” (Yemenite Village) area in Silwan celebrated the planned construction of an additional apartment building for the growing Jewish population.
Yair Frumkin and his sister are direct descendants of Israel Dov Frumkin, who purchased the land the predominantly-Arab neighborhood of Silwan now sits back in 1882. The land was given to Yemenite immigrants, who built up the neighborhood, located to the southeast of the Old City. There they remained until Arab riots forced the Jewish population to flee in 1938.