A delegation from the International and Israel Committee for Har Hazeitim (ICHH) met with Housing and Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze'ev Elkin this week to discuss the recent efforts to secure the old cemetery on the Mount of Olives.
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The delegation, led by Executive Director of ICHH Shalom Lerner, met with Moriah Chalamish, who is Elkin's chief of staff to Minister Elkin, as well as with Netanel Izak, the executive director of the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, and Yom Tov Goren, adviser to the minister.
Also in attendance were Izzy Lerer, chief security officer for the Ministry of Housing, and Micha Marsh, who is in charge of security in east Jerusalem.
"Both of them jointly gave a comprehensive overview of the security situation on Har Hazeitim (Mount of Olives)," the ICHH said in a statement. "Mr. Marsh pointed out that there was a 24-hour watch on the mountain via security cameras and security patrols. They also reported that in the last 5 years, there have been almost no cases of vandalism on the mountain," the statement continued.
According to the organization, following the meeting, "it was decided to continue the dialogue with a tour of the mountain led by Mr. Marsh followed by checking avenues for further improving the security situation."
Members of the delegation noted that in the past there had been many public events held on the mountain and that the ICHH was planning several both large and smaller-scale public events if they will receive the Ministry's help.
Additionally, Lerner reported that a tour will be held on Har Hazeitim in two weeks amid the ongoing efforts to raise money for the visitors center. To conclude the meeting, Mr. Lerner said "Har Hazeitim has found true friends in these ministries."
