Emek Refa'im Street is a major artery in Jerusalem, leading from the outskirts into the city center which runs through the neighborhood where the Knesset, Israel's main government building, is located. The street was originally an ancient road leading up to Jerusalem and has been in use since Roman times. In the 19th century it was called Refa'ein Street and was modernized with the construction of tramlines in 1908. In the War of Independence, the road was heavily bombed and was almost destroyed. Today it is a bustling modern street, home to many famous businesses and attractions.
