Jerusalem burials 1947-1952

[MBe...@aol.com]

As the traditional Mount of Olives (Har Zeytim) cemetery became inaccessible
with the increase in hostilities that started in late 1947, a new Jewish
cemetery was hurriedly consecrated in Jerusalem on a distant sylvan slope, and
was used until the Har Menuhot cemetery was built at the entrance to Jerusalem
in 1951-52.

The little cemetery was used for some four years and served as the final
resting place for those killed in the fighting and for those who died of
"natural causes." It is still well tended. You will find it behind the
Knesset building. Park your car by the entrance and ask the guard to let you
pass on foot, Sundays through Thursdays (closed Fridays). It's a half-mile or
more over stony paths and then you have to wend your way along narrow walkways
between graves, and from level to level of the terraced burial ground.

Jerusalem buries its dead without coffins in shallow graves drilled out of the
hard rock. The graves are covered with a heavy concrete slab and the
gravestone is laid horizontally on this slab. By and large the tombstones are
quite clear. The graves are arranged sequentially, and by looking at the
Hebrew date, you can narrow your area of search. Remember, almost none of the
graves bears any non-Hebrew writing or dates, so you have to know rudimentary
Hebrew to read the dates and the names. Remember, too, that the Hebrew years
starts with Rosh Hashana, in September, so that someone born in the fall will
be located under a "next year" date.

There were no guides, attendants or caretakers when I was there on Pesach. I
think you will be lucky to find one any other time. And even when they are
there, I doubt they would have a map of the graves. Best thing, go with an
Israeli friend who can negotiate with the Knesset guard, who can help you over
the rocks, who can help you decipher names and dates--and who will steady you
as you tumble. Wear good shoes, headcovering of course, with broad brim, and
carry a canteen of water. A walking stick is useful.

[If you happen to pass it, please place a pebble on the stone of my
grandmother, Mrta KNIGSHFR, daughter of Ary-Leo ALTMN of KTOVIZ, who died in
HShVN, 1950/5711, TShYA. Thank you.]

Michael Bernet, New York
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