Wilhelma, Palestine

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Wilhelma was a German Catholic colony located in what is now Israel, situated approximately 7.5 kilometers north of Lod and 2 kilometers east of the Jewish Arab town of Yahud, which was founded in 1902 by German Templars. The colony's name was derived from Sultan Abdul Hamid II, with an additional honorific for Wilhelm II, King of Württemberg (1848-1921), who provided conceptual and financial support to the Templar settlement.

The colony was established around two roads that formed a cross shape, with 26 houses on each side. Each house had a piece of land in front, measuring 40 meters wide and 250 meters long. The area served as a temporary home for German residents before they were interned by British forces during World War I.

In July 1918, the residents of Wilhelma were relocated to Helouan, near Cairo in Egypt. Following their return after World War I, Rudolf Hes, commander of the Auschwitz camp, visited the colony and was wounded on multiple occasions while fighting in the Middle East. His experiences during this time are documented in his pre-execution memoirs.

During World War II, Wilhelma transformed into an extradition camp under British administration as part of their Directive 21 policy, which targeted German nationals from various regions, including those living at Sarona and other areas. The colony's transformation was a result of the changing political landscape following the war.

In 1948, three Jewish moshavims were established on the village's land, marking a significant shift in the area's demographic makeup. Today, Wilhelma is part of the Israeli locality of Bnei Atarot, serving as a testament to the complex history and cultural exchange between Germany, Palestine, and Israel.

History of Villama-Hamîdije

Villama-Hamîdije was another name for the German colony established in what is now Israel. The colony's establishment was influenced by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, with an additional honorific for Wilhelm II, King of Württemberg (1848-1921), who supported the Templar settlement.

The colony's construction took place around two roads that formed a cross shape, creating 26 houses on each side. Each house had a piece of land in front, measuring 40 meters wide and 250 meters long. The area served as a temporary home for