Last week’s UNESCO decision denying Israel’s historical ties to Hebron and the Ma’aras HaMachpelah elicited the ire of many Israeli leaders. Among them is Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu who on Sunday 15 Tammuz, opted to comment to the media on that decision again, this time at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.

“I would like to read from Bereshis 23:16-19: ‘And Avraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Avraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the hearing of the children of Ches, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant…And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamrei–the same is Hebron–in the land of Canaan. And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place by the children of Ches.’

“The connection between the Jewish People and Hebron and the Machpelah Patriarchs is one of purchase and of history which may be without parallel in the history of peoples. Of course, this did not prevent the UNESCO World Heritage Committee last Friday from passing yet another delusional resolution which determined that the Tomb of the Patriarchs, the same Ma’aras of Machpelah, is a Palestinian heritage site.

“In the wake of this resolution I decided to cut an additional $1 million from Israel’s UN membership dues and transfer the funds to the establishment of “The Museum of the Heritage of the Jewish People in Kiryat Arba and Hebron”. The money will also serve additional heritage initiatives related to Hebron. I trust you [Jerusalem and Heritage Minister] Ze’ev [Elkin] to submit a proper proposal on this matter.

“Against UNESCO’s denial, Israel will present to the world the historical truth and the Jewish People’s deep connection – of thousands of years – to Hebron just as we did with UNESCO’s other delusional decision regarding the absence of a connection to Jerusalem. Therefore, today I have instructed that procedures be completed for the construction of the Kedem Center for displaying the historical and archaeological findings for the City of David.

“This will be an impressive structure with extensive displays. The entire world will see the truth and the first visitors whom I will invite there will be UNESCO and UN delegations”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)