A project that commenced more than a decade ago to secure and develop the Mount of Olives (Har Hazeitim) is rapidly progressing thanks to the efforts of the International Committee for Har Hazeitim (ICHH) under the leadership of brothers Menachem and Abraham Lubinsky from New York. As part of a broad effort to secure and protect the international cemetery of the Jewish people, the project is progressing , fulfilling the vision of establishing an advanced, state of the art, multi-million dollar Visitors and Information Center on the Mount of Olives, Har Hazeitim.
The Center, part of a larger project to restore and protect the two and a half kilometer historic site, is expected to be an important step in returning safety, security and national appreciation of this one-of-a-kind historical, international, and religious monument to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide
Over the years, the Committee has worked with government and security officials to install the most up to date reconnaissance cameras and advanced lighting, carry out extensive restoration of destroyed ancient tombstones and initiate special projects to maintain the sanctity and security of Har Hazeitim. All this has been done for the benefit of the thousands of visitors and worshippers who come to visit the graves of loved ones, ancestors, the righteous, the scholarly, the powerful and the meek, the rich and the poor, prophets like Malachi, Chagai and Zecharia and potentates- literally a cavalcade of individuals from Jewish history spanning almost 3000 years!
The project is receiving broad support and partnership, from government and public entities including the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, under the leadership of Minister Rabbi Meir Porush, the Jerusalem Municipality led by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Moriah Development Agency. .Both Minister Rabbi Porush and Mayor Lion pledged their full efforts to promote financing, despite all the budgetary constraints of increased construction costs. At the same time, the Committee has committed to raising its share as a partner to the project and invites all to participate in this noble project (see donation link below).
The projected 3 story center will be outside one of the main entrances to Har Hazeitim with a magnificent view of the entire area, including Har Habayit,(the Temple Mount), a shul, computer center, outdoor gardens, café, lecture hall and information center. Imagine being greeted with divrei Torah by a holographically projected Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh or stirring words of national unity and strength from a holographic Menachem Begin who is buried alongside his wife Aliza just above the Center. ! A LIVING experience, for young and old alike, testimony to the strength and durability of the Jewish people.
The Visitors Center will be a place where gatherings, concerts, rallies, and memorials can be held. It will be built to serve hundreds of visitors daily. As committee Co-Founder Menachem Lubinsky put it: “the Visitors Center will not just be an information center but also a center for conclaves where anyone can come and connect with the historical heritage of the Jewish people for generations.” Fellow Co-Chairman Abe Lubinsky echoed this sentiment noting: “the Center is the fulfilment of a dream of many years. It will allow thousands of visitors to come and pray on the Mount of Olives with due respect for this holy place. We thank all of the partners, most notably Minister Porush and Mayor Leon, for another step towards making this vision a reality.”
Beyond being a cemetery for 150,000 Jews, the Mount is a noteworthy heritage site where the ashes of the para adumah (red Heffer) are buried, where the new Jewish month was first proclaimed, and where the kohanim prepared for doing the avodfa in the bet Hamikdash directly across the street. After decades of abuse and vandalism, the Mount is being restored to its original historical glory.
To partner in this noble, holy and historic project please visit http://www.harhazeitim.org/
