The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is an iconic landmark located in Jerusalem, Israel. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant Jewish cemeteries in the world, dating back approximately five centuries. The cemetery is situated on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, and is home to over 150,000 graves.
The cemetery's history is rich and complex, with many notable figures buried within its grounds, including prophets, rabbis, and scholars. It is also a site of great religious significance, with many Jews believing that the resurrection of the dead will begin on the Mount of Olives. Despite its historical and religious importance, the cemetery has faced many challenges throughout its existence, including vandalism, neglect, and destruction. However, it remains a vital part of Jewish heritage and continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the deceased.
Mt Olives Jerusalem Cemetery
The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is one of the oldest and most important Jewish cemeteries in Jerusalem, located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. It contains around 70,000 graves, including those of famous figures in Jewish history such as Henrietta Szold, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, and Shmuel Yosef Agnon.
History
The Mount of Olives Cemetery has a long and rich history dating back to the days of the First Temple. It was used as a burial ground for the Jews of Jerusalem and continues to fulfill this function to the present day. The cemetery was first leased from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf in the sixteenth century and has since been expanded several times.
During the Jordanian rule of Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967, the cemetery suffered from neglect and destruction of graves and tombstones. However, after the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, the cemetery was restored and renovated.
Visiting the Cemetery
The Mount of Olives Cemetery is open to visitors daily, except on Jewish holidays and the Day of the Resurrection of the Dead. Visitors can explore the cemetery on foot or by car and pay their respects to the deceased.
The cemetery is also a popular attraction for tourists and pilgrims, who come to see the graves of famous figures in Jewish history and to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the site.
Maintenance and Renovation
The maintenance and renovation of the Mount of Olives Cemetery is a significant challenge due to its size and historical importance. The cemetery is managed by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Housing, which work together to ensure that the cemetery is well-maintained and preserved for future generations.
In recent years, the cemetery has faced acts of vandalism and harassment, which have prompted the Jerusalem for Generations Association and the Almagor Organization to call for increased security measures. The cemetery is also located near a military camp and the Citadel of David, which further complicates its maintenance and renovation.
Despite these challenges, the Mount of Olives Cemetery remains a significant and sacred site in Jewish history and continues to attract visitors and pilgrims from around the world.
History
The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is the oldest and most significant Jewish cemetery in Jerusalem, with a history dating back to the First Temple period. It is believed that the cemetery was used as a burial ground for the Jews of Jerusalem during the First Temple period, and it continues to serve as a burial ground to this day.
During the Second Temple period, the cemetery was expanded to accommodate the growing population of Jerusalem. Many prominent figures from Jewish history are buried here, including prophets, rabbis, and leaders. Tombstones in the cemetery bear witness to the rich history of the Jewish people, with inscriptions in Hebrew, Aramaic, and other languages.
Over the centuries, the cemetery has faced many challenges, including destruction of graves and tombstones, neglect, and acts of harassment by various groups. In recent years, the cemetery has become a focal point of controversy due to the construction of an access road that has damaged some of the graves and tombstones.
Despite these challenges, the cemetery remains an important site for Jewish history and culture. Many organizations, including the Jerusalem for Generations Association, the Almagor Organization, and the Terror Victims Association, have worked to protect and preserve the cemetery.
In 1981, the cemetery gained international attention when Menachem Begin, the former prime minister of Israel, was buried there. Begin's burial at the cemetery was seen as a symbolic gesture, as he had been a strong supporter of Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Today, the cemetery is a popular destination for visitors to Jerusalem, who come to pay their respects to the many Jewish leaders and figures buried there. Despite ongoing challenges, the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery remains a testament to the rich history and culture of the Jewish people.
Visiting the Cemetery
Location and Access
The Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives is located in Jerusalem, Israel, on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Kidron Valley. Visitors can access the cemetery by foot, car, or public transportation. The cemetery is open to visitors every day except for Jewish holidays and the Sabbath.
Attractions and Famous Figures
The cemetery is a significant attraction for both locals and tourists. It is the oldest and most important Jewish cemetery in Jerusalem, containing approximately 70,000 graves. Many famous figures in Jewish history, such as scholars and rabbis, are buried here, including Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, Shmuel Yosef Agnon, and Henrietta Szold.
Visitors can also enjoy the impressive viewpoint from the top of the Mount of Olives, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall. The cemetery is also significant for its association with the Resurrection of the Dead, a belief held by many Jews.
Maintenance and Renovation
The cemetery has undergone significant maintenance and renovation efforts in recent years. The cemetery was heavily damaged during the Jordanian rule of Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967, and many graves were desecrated or destroyed. However, in recent years, the cemetery has been restored with the help of volunteers and donations.
The Information Center at the cemetery coordinates the work of volunteers who are helping to restore graves that have been damaged. The center is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and bathroom facilities are available on-site free of charge.
Against the Closed Wall is a famous attraction within the cemetery, which is a memorial to the military camps that were located here during the War of Independence. The memorial is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Jewish communities in Jerusalem during this time.
In conclusion, visiting the Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives is a significant and budget-friendly activity for visitors to Jerusalem. The cemetery offers a unique insight into the history, faith, and culture of the Holy City.
Maintenance and Renovation
The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is one of the oldest and most important Jewish cemeteries in Jerusalem. The cemetery has been in use for over five centuries and has seen many changes over time. To ensure the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful resting place for the deceased, it requires regular maintenance and renovation.
Maintenance of the cemetery is carried out by the Jerusalem Municipality, who are responsible for keeping the cemetery clean and well-maintained. This includes regular cleaning of the graves, paths, and surrounding areas, as well as keeping the cemetery free from litter and debris. The Municipality also ensures that the cemetery is accessible to visitors and provides information about the cemetery's history and significance.
In addition to regular maintenance, the cemetery has undergone several renovation projects over the years. In 2006, the Jerusalem Municipality carried out a NIS 100m restoration project, which included building walls, fences, pedestrians' paths, and restoring graves. The project also involved exhumation of some graves to make way for new burials.
One of the most significant renovation projects in the cemetery's history was the restoration of the grave of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The restoration was carried out in 2010 by the Palestinian Authority and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The grave had been damaged over time and had become dilapidated, and the restoration project aimed to restore it to its former glory.
Overall, maintenance and renovation are essential to ensure that the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful resting place for the deceased. The Jerusalem Municipality and other organizations involved in the cemetery's upkeep are committed to ensuring that it remains a significant cultural and historical site in Jerusalem.
