Minister of Religious Services (Shas) Yaakov Margi released harsh statements against Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav as the person responsible for permitting the city’s ancient cemetery to fall into its current state of disrepair. He stated that if such a situation existed in Europe, the Jewish community would be up in arms but here, in Eretz Yisrael, it is permitted.

Margi stated “to be a Jewish mayor in an old Jewish city such as Haifa is a privilege and a responsibility, demanding respect for the citizens as well as the old cemetery, where many have been interred. He stated a similar sight in Ukraine, Romania or Hungary would result in a justifiable outcry from the Jewish community. “Here, right under our noses, we see otherwise while realizing a minimal budget is all that is needed to reverse the situation. The dead do not have a vaad to represent them or someone on the city council. It is an absolute disgrace”.

Margi said being a Jewish mayor in a Jewish city demands more than roads for buses and collecting taxes, but taking care of cemeteries too.

He questioned the Chevra Kadisha which charges a handsome sum for those wishing to be buried there due to the lack of space, yet it appears there are no funds available to maintain the cemetery located in Kiryat Eliyahu. “Where is the Chevra Kadisha? Where is city hall? Where are the chief rabbis?  Where are those who visit kevarim in the cemetery? It is unbelievable — here, in Haifa.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)