Washington – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) sent a letter to Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren requesting Israeli intervention in the protection of Har HaZeitim, the Mount of Olives. The site, an ancient burial ground which is among the most sacred Jewish sites in Jerusalem, has recently become a frequent target for vandalism and gravestone desecration.
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Nadler’s letter below:
February 18, 2011
Honorable Dr. Michael B. Oren
Ambassador
Embassy of Israel to the United States
3514 International Drive N.W.
Washington DC 20008
Dear Ambassador Oren:
As a Member of Congress representing Manhattan and Brooklyn, I am writing regarding Har HaZeitim (the Mount of Olives) the sacred site in East Jerusalem where Jews have been buried since biblical times, and where a number of my constituents’ family members are buried.
According to my constituents, who recently visited Jerusalem as part of the group the International Committee for the Preservation of Har HaZeitim, a number of gravestones throughout the cemetery and in areas where their family members are interred have been badly damaged or vandalized. I have also been told by my constituents that some visitors have endured stone-throwing and other incidents of violence. This is of great concern to me, as it is very important that those who visit this site are safe.
I know that the Israeli government also views Har HaZeitim as a place of great national, historic and religious significance, and so has undertaken a plan to restore gravestones and install additional security measures. I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me what steps are being taken in terms of securing the area, what the timeline is for these measures, and what is being done in the interim to ensure that visitors are safe. It is in all of our interests to make sure that this site, which is of the utmost importance to so many Jews in my district and around the world, is protected and secure from attacks and vandalism.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
JERROLD NADLER
Member of Congress
My mother A”H and my Great-grandfather A”H are both there.
My brother recently visited and had some difficulties – actually needed to be escorted by special troops. And he found some damage.
When the Jordanians had it from 48 -67 and Jews could not visit, the matzeiveh of my Great-grandfather (who was nifter 1940 in Yerushaliyim) was destroyed (we heard the matzeivehs were used for road building and other things). The matzaiveh was replaced after 1967 when Israel regained control and we could visit.
I appreciate that Congressman Nadler is writing this but since cases of vandalism have been connected with Arabs who live near Har Hazeisim am not sure what Israeli government can do.
my parents are buried there as well. can someone explain why the chevra kadish does not have private guards there, i paid 1500 dollars to take the coffin from lod airport/ i heard the 4 chevras are sitting on millions of dollars in the bank
My great-great grandfather is buried there. I wonder if what is needed is an investigation into the groups who hold the trust monies for the cemetary