Har Hazeitim FAQs
Questions? We Have Answers.
Find answers to the questions visitors and supporters ask most often.
Har Hazeitim, the Mount of Olives, is one of the oldest and most
significant Jewish cemeteries in the world. Jews have been buried there since Biblical times and its estimated 150,000 graves include generations of rabbis, scholars, community leaders,
families, and Jews from around the world.
The International Committee for Har Hazeitim was founded in 2010 to address
years of neglect, vandalism, desecration, and security concerns on Har Hazeitim.
ICHH works with the Israeli government, Jerusalem Municipality, police, and Jewish
communities around the world to improve security, restore graves, strengthen
infrastructure, and protect the cemetery for future generations.
Decades of neglect and desecration left
tens of thousands of graves damaged or destroyed and created serious maintenance and security
concerns. Although conditions have improved significantly, continued restoration, maintenance,
security, and advocacy are necessary to protect the cemetery and those who visit it.
Har Hazeitim requires ongoing attention to grave restoration,
maintenance, infrastructure, security, and visitor access. Tens of thousands of graves were
damaged or destroyed during years of neglect and desecration, and many still require
restoration.
ICHH has advocated for and helped advance
surveillance cameras, security monitoring, police presence, fencing, maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and grave restoration. It also works with government and municipal officials to keep the security and preservation of Har Hazeitim a public priority.
For an immediate safety concern, contact the appropriate local emergency authorities. Damage, vandalism, or other concerns relating to Har Hazeitim should also be reported to ICHH through the Contact page so the team can follow up as needed.
The Visitor Education Center is being developed to
strengthen security, increase visitation, and create a permanent center for education and Jewish presence on Har Hazeitim. The new Center will include a permanent police station and security monitoring facilities, together with resources that will help visitors learn about the history and significance of Har Hazeitim.
You can support ICHH through a general donation, sponsor
the restoration of a grave, participate in dedication opportunities for the Visitor Education Center, or take part in the Wall of Life. Your support helps protect Har Hazeitim, strengthen its security, and preserve its Jewish heritage for future generations.
