The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery has been a focal point for Jewish burials since antiquity, chosen for its proximity to the ancient Temple Mount and its association with eschatological beliefs. The site gained prominence during the First and Second Temple periods, with burial caves lining the slopes. The modern cemetery began to take shape in the 16th century when it was leased from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf.

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Iron Age and First Temple Period
The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery's origins trace back to the reign of King David, around 1000 BCE, when Jerusalem became the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. Archaeological evidence indicates that the eastern slopes of the mount, particularly near the modern-day Arab village of Silwan, were utilized for burial purposes during this period. The area's proximity to the ancient city and its suitability for burial, due to its chalky limestone conducive to carving tombs, made it an ideal location for interments. These early burials were primarily in rock-hewn tombs, reflecting the funerary practices of the time.

Babylonian Exile and Second Temple Period
Following the Babylonian conquest and the subsequent exile (586 BCE – 70 CE) of the Jewish elite, the cemetery's use continued during the Second Temple period. The Jewish population maintained burial traditions on the Mount of Olives, and the site became increasingly significant due to its proximity to the Temple Mount (today known as the Haram as-Sharif). Notably, the area known as the "Tomb of the Prophets" is traditionally believed to be the burial site of the biblical prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, reflecting the site's religious importance during this era.

Roman to Byzantine Periods
During Roman and Byzantine rule (circa 70–638 CE), the Mount of Olives continued to serve as a Jewish burial site. However, with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the subsequent Roman suppression of Jewish revolts, Jewish presence in Jerusalem diminished. Despite these challenges, the cemetery remained in use, albeit less prominently, as a testament to the enduring Jewish connection to the city.

Early Islamic to Crusader Periods
During this period (638–1099 CE) under early Islamic rule, the Mount of Olives maintained its status as a Jewish burial ground. However, during the Crusader period, Jewish access to the site was restricted, and the cemetery's use declined. The Crusaders' control over Jerusalem led to significant changes in the city's demographics and religious practices, impacting the continuity of Jewish burial traditions on the mount.

Mamluk to Ottoman Periods
The Mamluks (1099–1917 CE), who ruled Jerusalem from the 13th century, allowed Jews to resume burials on the Mount of Olives. During the Ottoman period, especially from the 16th century onward, the cemetery began to take its present shape. The site was leased from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, and Jewish families began to establish family plots, leading to the cemetery's expansion. This period saw the development of the cemetery into a more organized and structured burial ground.

British Mandate Period
Under British rule, the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery continued to function as a primary burial site for Jerusalem's Jewish community. However, during the 1948 CE Arab-Israeli War, the cemetery became inaccessible due to the conflict, leading to the establishment of temporary burial sites elsewhere in the city. Despite these challenges, the cemetery's significance remained, and efforts were made to preserve its integrity.

Jordanian Rule
Between 1948 and 1967 CE, during Jordanian control of East Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery suffered significant damage. Approximately 38,000 graves were desecrated, with tombstones used for construction purposes and some graves destroyed. This period marked a low point in the cemetery's history, as the Jewish community faced challenges in maintaining and protecting the site.

Post-1967 and Modern Period
Following the Six-Day War in 1967 CE, Israel occupied and took control over East Jerusalem, including the Mount of Olives. Since then, efforts have been made to restore and preserve the cemetery. Modern initiatives include mapping and documenting the graves, as well as addressing the site's maintenance and accessibility.

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The cemetery is situated on the eastern ridge of Jerusalem, offering a panoramic view of the Old City and the Temple Mount. Its terrain is characterized by steep slopes and uneven surfaces, which have influenced the arrangement of graves. The burial sites are densely packed, with little space between tombs, reflecting the site's limited area and the high demand for burial plots. The cemetery's layout includes various sections, each with its own historical and religious significance. Notable landmarks within the cemetery include the Tomb of the Prophets, believed to be the burial site of the biblical prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, and the mass graves of Jewish Quarter defenders from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

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The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is not only a significant site for Jewish burials but also serves as a testament to the intertwined religious histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While the cemetery is predominantly Jewish, it reflects the shared reverence for Jerusalem among the Abrahamic faiths. Notably, the cemetery is situated on the eastern ridge of Jerusalem, offering a panoramic view of the Old City and the Temple Mount. Its terrain is characterized by steep slopes and uneven surfaces, which have influenced the arrangement of graves. The burial sites are densely packed, with little space between tombs, reflecting the site's limited area and the high demand for burial plots.

Among the notable Jewish figures interred in the cemetery are Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine; Henrietta Szold, founder of the Hadassah organization; and poet Else Lasker-Schüler. These individuals played pivotal roles in the development of modern Jewish thought and institutions. Additionally, the cemetery is the final resting place of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the father of modern Hebrew; Shmuel Yosef Agnon, a Nobel laureate in literature; and Menachem Begin, Israel's sixth Prime Minister. Their contributions to the cultural and political landscape of Israel are commemorated at this site.

The cemetery also holds the graves of several prominent rabbis and scholars, such as Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, known as the Ohr ha-Chaim, and Rabbi Yehuda Alcalay, who were among the heralds of Zionism. These figures were instrumental in the religious and intellectual revival of Jewish life in the Land of Israel. Moreover, the cemetery is the burial site of Hasidic rebbes of various dynasties and rabbis of "Yishuv haYashan" (the old – pre-Zionist – Jewish settlement), reflecting the diverse religious traditions within the Jewish community.