A number of kevarim were discovered in the Eshtaol area near Beit Shemesh last month as roadwork is underway to build a new road. The Eida Chareidis has checked and reports discovering a burial cave in the work area, calling for an immediate cessation of work. A few uneventful protests were held at the site as well.

While there has been a hiatus in the protests, it appears in Yerushalayim Eida officials are planning the next stage of their strategy, which will most likely include renewed protests, albeit not uneventful ones. This will however be contingent on the report presented to the beis din by members of Asra Kadisha, who are apparently in the process of determining if the burial cave is that of non-Jews or Jews. If it is determined that the latter is the case, protests will be renewed with an increased vigor.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)