PRESERVE MUSLIM GRAVES

(16 April 2006 - Letters to the Editor, Haartez)

In Haaretz (10/4/06) a petition was published as an advertisement of tens of lecturers and researchers of Islam in which they protested against the intention of the Simon Wiesenthal Institute to build a Museum of Tolerance on the area of the Muslim Cemetery in Mamilla in Jerusalem.

I add my signature to this petition and identify with its content. Jews everywhere are struggling for their honor and for their place of rest of their remains buried in cemeteries all over the world. Therefore, we must declare to the peoples of the world that we Jews have respect and honor for every grave and for all of those who have passed away wherever they may be.

The desecration of the Muslim cemetery in Mamilla is a form of ugly racism which may, God forbid, place in danger the obliteration of Jewish cemeteries around the world. Where is our responsibility?

For years ultra Orthodox Jewry is waging a principled struggle against the destruction of graves in the Land of Israel. The respect for their remains is dear to us and even touches the essence of our souls. More than once we have protested against the disrespect of archaeological explorations when graves are discovered. The same disrespect and lack of comprehension is evident now regarding the unfortunate decision to open graves and remove skeletons in the Muslim Cemetery in Mamilla. We must stop the building now in the initial stage of building.

M.K. Meir Purush, Jerusalem

Yehadut Hatorah