Jerusalem’s New Vibrant Culture Center: Mt. of Olives!
The Mt. of Olives is no longer only the oldest, most important, and probably largest Jewish cemetery in the world. It is now also a bustling and dynamic tourist and cultural site.
The Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage has launched the “Culture at Mt. of Olives Festival,” featuring unique tours of the site and a spectacular view of the Old City and the Temple Mount just across the Kidron Valley. Dozens of other events include concerts, tours, and lectures, focusing on events that have shaped Jerusalem over the past 3,000 years. Particular focus will be placed on some of the illustrious Jews buried there, including Rav Kook, Menachem Begin, Nobel Prize winner Shai Agnon, and 100,000 more.
The Jewish presence in the area of the Mt. of Olives has grown significantly in recent years. Among the new neighborhoods are Beit Orot (24 families), the City of David (nearly 90 families), and more – but the largest of all is Maaleh HaZeitim, with close to 150 families.
The mountain is critically important in Judaism, featuring the Red Heifer ceremony, the torch-lightings signaling a New Moon, and much more. The final prophecy of Zecharia speaks of the day when G-d will fight on behalf of Jerusalem and the Mt. of Olives will split open from north to south.
In order to ensure continued future Israeli sovereignty over the entire city of Jerusalem, certain facts on the ground must be guaranteed. In the case of the Mt. of Olives, Israel must make sure to guarantee and facilitate Jewish access and presence there. Jews must feel safe there, and must feel free to frequent the site, not only for funerals and to visit gravesites, but to visit friends, enjoy the view, stop off at the Visitors’ Center, remember its history, and more. The current Culture Festival should do much to attain this goal.