Mukhtar Dheib al-Ali – Abu Dhiab

Mukhtar Dheib al-Ali, known as Abu Dhiab, was one of the most prominent leaders on the Carmel Coast and a central figure who played a pivotal role in the history of Jisr al-Zarqa.

He was born in 1868 and grew up in Jisr al-Zarqa. He had one brother and one sister. He owned extensive tracts of land and, after the Nakba and during the period of military rule, allocated a significant portion of his land to families in need and to public institutions.

He is considered the village’s first mukhtar and was known for his strong national character, determination, and resilience. He fought alongside the Ottoman army during the Ottoman period and lived through three major historical phases in the life of the village: the Ottoman era, the British Mandate, and Israeli rule.

He was renowned throughout the Carmel region for his skill in hunting and fishing. In 1924, Hajj Dheib al-Ali built the first house for himself and his family in Jisr al-Zarqa, using kurkar stone from the surrounding area. Before that, he had lived with the people of the village in the Kabara plain and al-Zour, in tents and huts made of wood and corrugated metal.

During the Nakba, his eldest son, Dhiab, joined the ranks of the Palestinian resistance fighters and fought against the Zionist militias. He was killed in one of the battles in northern Palestine.

Dheib al-Ali died in 1987 at the age of 119. He left behind approximately 200 grandchildren and around 500 great-grandchildren. He also left behind a rich legacy of struggle, as well as a distinguished history and reputation.

Maryam Hamdan Amash – The World’s Oldest Woman

Maryam Hamdan Amash died at the age of 124, according to the date of birth recorded on her identity card at the time of her death.

She was born and lived in Jisr al-Zarqa, Palestine. Her identity card indicated that she was born in 1888. She had ten children and approximately 300 grandchildren.

According to the documented date of birth attributed to her, she was considered the oldest recorded person in modern history. She died without losing her mental faculties or suffering from memory loss or dementia. She enjoyed good health and retained a vivid memory of the days of her youth.

She worked in agriculture, weaving, and the traditional craft of making mats.

Families of Jisr al-Zarqa

• Amash
• Jirban
• Najjar
• Shihab
• Jawhar
• Damlakhi
• Tawatiha
• Jalouli
• Abu Hamid
• Bulbul
• Abu Nada
• Rashwan
• Abu Zard
• Imbeishi
• Turk
• Ayat
• Muhammad
• Al-Hilu
• Tafal
• Musai’i
• Mistrahi
• Dahbour
• Nasr
• Naghnghi
• Sheikh Salem
• Khair