Jerusalem askan and former deputy mayor, R’ Chaim Miller, who today stands at the helm of The Jerusalem Movement, believes a separate authority must be set up to oversee the operating of and future of Har HaZeisim. Miller has been active in efforts to effect change at the holy site following an alarming increase of vandalism attacks against kevarim during recent months. A bill towards advancing such a reality was submitted last week, enjoying the support of lawmakers from various parties.

The bill sites the historical significance of the “oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, dating back to the First Beis HaMikdosh” and therefore, the site is of significant importance to the Jewish People.

The bill continues to explain the cemetery is the “national cemetery” and as such, ample funds to refurbish the holy site must be allocated, working in concert with the various agencies involved, and to oversee its ongoing operations. Without the establishment of an independent agency, there is simply no one taking care of business as the issues involve numerous agencies and many issues of significance simply seem to slip through the bureaucratic interagency system.

In actuality, Miller has been pushing for a number of years to declare Har HaZeisim a national landmark, which would entitle it to funding towards rejuvenation, preservation and maintaining the site. Some of the improvements sought include refurbishing gravestones, improving walkways, building walkways, netilas yadayim sinks, and installing restrooms. There is also a need for radically improving security, including a fitting security fence, cameras, and patrols, all towards bringing the current unacceptable situation to an end.

Miller received a letter from Eyal Gabbai, the prime minister’s bureau chief, in which he states the Ministry of Housing is responsible for security as per the plan that will be approved by the Interior Ministry and Israel Police.

Miller is planning to meet with the heads of chevra Kadisha organizations operating in Yerushalayim in the coming days, determined to continue efforts to create the Har HaZeisim Authority.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)