JERUSALEM — Plans to build a major visitor and education center at the Mount of Olives, home to what is widely regarded as the world’s oldest Jewish cemetery, are drawing both support and criticism, highlighting long-standing political and religious tensions in East Jerusalem, The Times of Israel reports.
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Supporters of the project say it will improve security and help preserve a burial site that spans roughly 3,000 years of Jewish history and contains an estimated 150,000 graves, including those of biblical figures, rabbinic sages and modern Zionist leaders.
The International Committee for Har Hazeitim (ICHH), which is leading the effort, was established in 2010 after a state comptroller report documented widespread vandalism, neglect and criminal activity at the cemetery. The group says it has since restored thousands of graves and significantly increased security.
Construction is now underway on a NIS 25 million (about $7.7 million) visitor center near the base of the cemetery adjacent to Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. The center, expected to open in late 2026, will include classrooms, a research library, gardens, a synagogue and space for a permanent police presence.
ICHH leaders say the center is intended to be nonpolitical and focused on education. “What we have here is an unparalleled record of Jewish civilization,” said Jeff Daube, chairman of ICHH’s Israel executive committee, during a tour of the site.
However, critics—including organizations such as Emek Shaveh and Ir Amim—say the project fits a broader pattern in which heritage and archaeological sites are used to reinforce Israeli control in predominantly Palestinian areas.
“The new center is part of Israel’s plan to expand … settler projects there,” said a statement from Emek Shaveh.
Residents of nearby Palestinian neighborhoods have raised concerns about increased surveillance, security patrols and traffic, while Jewish residents and visitors say heightened security is necessary after decades of attacks and harassment at the cemetery.
The Mount of Olives holds significance not only for Jews, but also for Christians and Muslims. It is mentioned frequently in Christian scripture and is home to numerous churches, while overlooking Islam’s third-holiest site, the Temple Mount compound.
Israeli officials say the project was approved through standard planning processes and is funded partly by government sources and private donors. About 10% of the new building will be dedicated to a police station, according to project plans.
Despite the controversy, ICHH leaders argue that preserving the site is a national responsibility that transcends politics. “This is not just a cemetery,” Daube said. “It is a central chapter of Jewish history, and ensuring access and safety here matters for future generations.”
Let’s get one thing straight. The al-aqsa mosque is not located in Jerusalem. Nor is it Islam’s third holiest site. This was just a part of Arafat’s baloney lies and propaganda.
The real Al-Aqsa mosque is in Saudi Arabia. Al-Aqsa simply means the one that’s farther away. The nearer one was in Mecca and the farther Al-aqsa one was in Medina. Islamic scholars will confirm that. The wall still has the ring that Muhammad used to tie his horse.
The present Al-Aqsa mosque did not even exist during Muhammad’s lifetime. It was a church. After the conquest of Jerusalem by the Umayyads, the church was demolished and the Al-Aqsa Mosque’s present structure was built by Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I around 705 CE, completing a project started by his father, Abd al-Malik, between 685-705 CE, Muhammad died on June 8th, 632 CE.
In fact the Shiite branch of Islam does not hold Jerusalem or any mosque located there with any great holiness or significance.
As long as israel is going to appease those so called Palestinians , its never gonna end , their mentality is the more you give the more they demand
This is pure Jewish land no body should care what those pigs have to say
Increased police presence in a safe building is very important for the site! A teenage family member was assaulted by Arabs there about 45 years ago, on the way to a tombstone unveiling. If not for an off-duty Egged bus that stopped to take him straight to the police station in the old city, as he ran for his life, this traumatic story could have ended very differently R”L.
The world’s oldest Jewish cemetery is Mearas Hamachpela.
As someone who has great-grandparents on Har Hazeisim, has mother, uncles and aunts and others there, these improvements are very important and helps insure safety and ease of visiting kevarim. Thanks to all who help!