MKs and Activists Discuss Deteriorating Situation on Mt. Olives

First Publish: 6/17/2013, 12:00 PM

Abe Lubinsky, Chairman of the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeitim (ICPHH) participated recently in a special meeting held in the Knesset regarding the situtaion at Har Hazeitim (the Mount of Olives). Lubinsky spoke withArutz Sheva about the significance of the gathering.

 “An important part of my testimony at the Knesset hearing which was dedicated to Har Hazeitim was to impress upon the authorities that the complete 24-policeman deployment at the Mount of Olives Police station is absolutely necessary to reduce the perception of fear and to enforce the law”, explained Lubinsky, “I also made it clear that without securing the approaches to Har Hazeitim at both the Ras al-Amud and A-Tur access points, visitors and mourners will continue to be at risk to stoning attacks and other violence.”

“It’s crucial to get our message across to as many public officials as possible”, said Lubinsky. “including those present at the hearing.  The very fact that there are ongoing hearings about Har Hazeitim means that our message will reach the proper authorities and peace will eventually prevail at one of Judaism’s holiest sites.”

Jeff Daube, ICPPH Co-chair and the Israel Director of the Zionist Organization of America, was also present at the Knesset hearing. “While the Interior Committee did not address its primary topic, the illegal mosque’s construction, I am nevertheless heartened by the concern expressed by MKs regarding the unacceptable situation on Har Hazeitim”, said Daube.

“This hearing, coupled with the hearing that I also attended just a week before that was chaired by MK Miri Regev, on the sharp increase in rock-throwing in eastern Jerusalem, gives me reason for optimism, so long as our country’s leadership follows through with practical solutions.”