Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin has announced that for him and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the protection of Har HaZeisim remains atop of the priority list. During a Manhattan reception attended by Malcolm Hoenlein Elkin announced the cabinet has allocated NIS millions towards increasing security for Har HaZeisim including the installation of surveillance cameras, an increased police present, and other security measures.

Elkin met with members of the International Committee for the Protection of Har HaZeisim to explain the government’s agenda vis-à-vis Har HaZeisim, which has become a dangerous place for Israelis to visit as Arabs routinely carry out rock-throwing and other attacks against Jewish vehicles. The cemetery is also a frequent target as matzeivos are destroyed and defaced by local Arabs.

Despite Elkin’s statements, little has actually been done to improve the situation around Har HaZeisim, which remains under Israeli sovereignty but local Arab rule. Elected officials continue to release statements full of promise and optimism, but for families wishing to visit kevarim on Har HaZeisim, the trip is often accompanied by Arab attacks. Many have simply decided to make arrangements for private security on a yahrzeit to permit visiting a kever.

The international committee had words of praise for Elkin and the cabinet’s decision, hoping that finally the situation will change. The committee has been working hard, pushing the government to improve security, repair and install cameras, and to rehabilitate some 20,000 kevarim which have been destroyed. The committee continues to push decision-makers to make Har HaZeisim a top priority as it has been ignored for far too long in the past.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)