Safer Har Hazeisim Spurs Development, Higher Prices
At least two major graves developments are being planned for Har Hazeisim in what has once again emerged as a preferred burial ground. Some sources say that as many as 600 new graves are planned for the undeveloped parts of the cemetery. Developers feel that the much-improved security situation has made Har Hazeisim a leading burial site. The improved conditions are no doubt as a result of the near 15-year efforts of the International Committee for Har Hazeisim (ICHH). Prices for plots have skyrocketed in recent years with one quote being as high as $50,000 per grave, a stark difference from the early years of ICHH (2010) when plots ranged between $7,000-$12,000. Although developers and Chevra Kadishas acknowledge the role of ICHH (some publicly and others quietly), few have joined the ICHH in funding the effort.
War-Time Woes Delay Start of Construction of Visitor Education Center
The Moriah Development Agency, (assigned by the Jerusalem Development Authority) responsible for the construction of the planned Visitor Education Center has run into major difficulty hiring the necessary construction teams. Many of the contractors said that they are short of workers (due to limited access by Palestinians) and that the costs for the construction have risen dramatically. Our team on the ground, Yanky Bichler and Moshe Bruce, are in touch with Izik Larry, the executive director of the Jerusalem Municipality to find a solution. Yanky and Moshe are confident that an answer will be found in the near future to build the magnificent important Visitor Center on Har Hazeisim which will also include a fully-equipped modern police station, greatly enhancing the security of the entire East Jerusalem region.
Tens of Thousands Safely at Yahrzeit of Ohr Hachaim on July 18th
Tens of thousands of visitors streamed to Har Hazeisim for the yahrzeit of the saintly Ohr Hachaim on July 18th with a major assist from the ICHH. Working with Rabbi Michael Malchieli, Minister of Religions, a temporary pedestrian bridge was built to assure the safety of the mispallelim. In addition, a heavy police presence helped secure the area. The yahrzeit passed without incident and the entire day went by orderly and safely. ICHH thanked Rabbi Malchieli for his extraordinary efforts in assuring the easy access to the Tzion of the saintly Ohr Hachaim which remains the most visited grave on Har Hazeisim. Mourners were impressed with the cleanliness and security on Har Hazeisim.
Minister Rabbi Goldknopf Funds Security Upgrades on Har Hazeisim
“We are extremely grateful to Rabbi Yitzchok Goldknopf, Minister of Housing and Development, for authorizing the funding of major security upgrades on Har Hazeisim,” wrote Menachem and Avrohom Lubinsky, co-chairs of ICHH, thanking the Minister. These developments followed meeting with the Har Hazeisim team in Israel as well as board members led by Dov Fishoff, Dr. Paul Rosenstock, Dr. Alan Mazurek, Jeff Daube, and Chavi Jacobs. The security upgrades will include a complete modernization of the network of surveillance cameras on Har Hazeisim, additional security personnel and expansion of the escort service. ICHH also thanked Mr. Bobchik, special assistant to the Minister for his role in the security upgrades.
Har Hazeisim Day in the Knesset Planned for November, Reception by President Herzog
MK Rabbi Erez Malul, Chairman of the Knesset Caucus on Har Hazeisim, is planning a special day in the Knesset in November. Rabbi Malul made the commitment in meetings with the leaders of ICHH. He also pledged to be vigilant to assure the continued security on Har Hazeisim and vowed to expand the committee. Rabbi Malul has made several visits to the Har and has involved other Knesset members in his mission to secure Har Hazeisim.
Jerusalem’s Outgoing Police Chief Inspector Vows to Keep Eye on Har Hazeisim
Chief Inspector Doron Turgeman, head of the Israel Police in Jerusalem left his post in July with a great deal of fanfare and praise, none more than ICHH which credits him with the vast improvements of security on the historic 3,000-year-old cemetery. In his acknowledgement to the ICHH leadership, Inspector Turgeman vowed to continue to monitor security on Har Hazeisim especially since he was the architect of a major muti-year plan for securing the 2-kilometer cemetery with an estimated 150,000 graves. “We owe you a deep sense of gratitude for recognizing the importance of Har Hazeisim,” wrote the Lubinsky brothers in their letter of farewell. Moshe Bruce is already meeting with the newly appointed police officials to assure the continuity of the excellent relationship between the police and ICHH.
כרכת שנה טובה וכתיבה וחתימה טובה
