Housing Minister (Kulanu) Yoav Gallant on Wednesday, 23 Sivan, visited Har HaZeisim amid the latest report released earlier this week that dozens of matzeivos were damaged and destroyed.

Gallant, a former Deputy IDF Chief of Staff, who only recently assumed his cabinet post, runs the ministry that is responsible for the security at Har HaZeisim.

Gallant got a firsthand look at the damage, broken and smashed matzeivos along with fire and other damage to the kevarim and matzeivos. Taking part in the visit was Shas MK Yoav Ben-Tzur, who stands behind an effort in Knesset to draw the necessary attention to Har HaZeisim to end the attacks and eliminate the precarious security situation for visitors to that area.

Ben-Tzur praised Gallant, who upon hearing his query immediately arranged for a visit to Har HaZeisim before responding.

Family members of the matzeivos recently targeted in the Afghanistan section explain that today, even in an Islamic country such as Afghanistan there is a Muslim guard and kevarim are protected while they cannot say the same for the kevarim of their loved ones here in Yerushalayim.

The previous administration has allocated 4 million NIS annually for security in the area but it must be pointed out the persons who provide security are not legally viewed as law enforcement agents and they do not have the authority to arrest offenders or take other action so their hands are tied. While they may see the vandals attacking via one of the many security cameras that were installed, they lack the authority to act.

Following the visit Gallant instructed members of his staff to prepare a daily report involving any and all attacks in that area. He will then study the situation and promises the attacks will end entirely.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)