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International Committee for Har Hazeitim

Preserving, Protecting, and Securing Judaism's historic 3,000-Year-Old Landmark

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About ICHH

Protecting a Legacy That 
Belongs to Every Generation

From Biblical times until today, Jews have been buried on Har Hazeitim. Its estimated 150,000 graves hold generations of Jewish history, from rabbis and scholars to community leaders, soldiers, families, and Jews from every walk of life, making the Mount of Olives one of Judaism's most important historic and holy sites.

THE CHALLENGE 

A Holy Site in Need of Protection 

For decades, Har Hazeitim suffered from neglect, vandalism, desecration, inadequate maintenance, and serious security problems. Graves were damaged and destroyed, visitors were harassed, and the condition of the cemetery threatened one of the world's most important Jewish historic sites. 

The Beginning of ICHH

In May 2010, following a critical report by Israel's State Comptroller on the condition of Har Hazeitim, Abe and Menachem Lubinsky founded the International Committee for Har Hazeitim. They brought together Jewish leaders and activists to confront the neglect, advocate for government action, and protect the sanctity and security of the cemetery. 

Since then, ICHH has worked with the Israeli government, Jerusalem Municipality, police, and Jewish communities around the world to improve security, restore graves, strengthen infrastructure, and advocate for the future of Har Hazeitim. 

Support the work

ICHH Accomplishments

Security

Advocacy helped bring surveillance cameras, a monitoring station, police presence, fencing, and other security improvements to Har Hazeitim. 

Advocacy

ICHH has worked with government officials, the Knesset, police, municipal leaders, and Jewish organizations to keep Har Hazeitim's security and preservation on the public agenda. 

Restoration

Thousands of damaged and desecrated graves have been restored, with many more still requiring attention. 

Infrastructure

ICHH has advocated for improved fencing, sanitation, transportation, maintenance, and other infrastructure across the cemetery.  

our-mission

Our Mission

A Holy Site in Need of Protection 

The International Committee for Har Hazeitim is dedicated to protecting and preserving the sanctity, security, and eternal legacy of Har Hazeitim — Judaism’s oldest and holiest cemetery.

Through advocacy, restoration, education, and strategic partnerships, the ICHH works to ensure that Har Hazeitim remains a safe, respected, and accessible place for prayer, remembrance, and connection to Jewish history for generations to come.

Endorsements

rabbi-shmuel
“What a great zechus for the people who are involved in this endeavor!”

Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky

Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia; Member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah

yoav-kisch
“I have had the privilege of accompanying you in recent years to Har Hazeisim and you are doing a very impressive job.”

Yoav Kisch

Member of Knesset at the time

david-friedman
“Har Hazeisim is one of the holiest and most significant sites in Judaism which makes what your Committee is doing so important.”

David Friedman

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel

rabbi-chaim
“While many of us were skeptical five years ago when the effort first started that any changes could be made on the troubled Har Hazeisim, the Committee proved that through awareness and action, much could be done.”

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel

Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel of America

rabbi-yitzchak
“You are doing a magnificent job. Har Hazeisim has dramatically changed, and your committee has a big part in it.”

Rabbi Yitzchak Pindrus

Member of Knesset

malcolm-hoenlein
“[The efforts of the International Committee for Har Hazeitim are] game changing and life changing... securing Har Hazeisim must become a high priority of the new government.”

Malcolm Hoenlein

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

visitor education center

a new chapter for har hazeitim

The new Visitor Education Center will establish a permanent center of security, education, and Jewish presence on Har Hazeitim, protecting this holy site while attracting more people to experience its history and significance.

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Meeting a Critical Need on Har Hazeitim

A Strong Jewish Presence

A strong, ongoing Jewish presence is essential to the future of Har Hazeitim. The Visitor Education Center will establish a permanent presence on the mountain, helping ensure that this holy site remains active, cared for, and firmly connected to Jewish life in Jerusalem.

GREATER SECURITY

The Center will house a permanent police station, provide a 24/7 police presence, and monitor the mountain's network of surveillance cameras, significantly strengthening security for Har Hazeitim and those who come to visit and pray.

INCREASED VISITATION

The Center is expected to bring tourists, students, IDF soldiers, families, and groups to Har Hazeitim throughout the year. Increased activity on the mountain will encourage greater security, regular maintenance, and the attention this important site needs.

STRENGTHENING OUR CONNECTION

For over 3,000 years, Har Hazeitim has been part of the Jewish story in Jerusalem. The Center will give visitors a place to discover its history, understand its significance, and strengthen their connection to a site that has linked generations of Jews to Jerusalem.

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Help Make the Visitor Education Center a Reality on Har Hazeitim

Built in partnership with the Government of Israel and the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Visitor Education Center represents a major investment in the future of Har Hazeitim. dedication opportunities are available throughout the new Center.

take me to the building dedications opportunities