In a related matter, new security arrangements have been set
up at Jerusalem's Har Hamenuchos cemetery.
Mayor Ehud Olmert had recently instructed the pertinent
authorities to increase cemetery security. Raanan Dinor, by
means of the Administration for Religious Structures of the
Municipality and with the approval of the Cemeteries Council,
developed the new plans.
The decision was made as a result of the current situation in
the cemetery, especially crucial at night, when law breakers
use the area and the cemetery parking lot for activities such
as drug peddling, the dumping of construction debris and car
washing. It was also decided that chevros kadisha who
leave abandoned coffins in the cemetery will be fined for
littering and disorderliness.
The new procedures took effect on the 22nd of Sivan. A gate
with a watchman's booth, to be manned 24 hours a day, was
installed at the entrance to the cemetery. In addition,
security guards, in conjunction with official security bodies
and the police, will patrol the area throughout the day.
As part of the new arrangements, trucks and commercial
vehicles lacking appropriate permits will be denied entry to
the area.
The cemetery will be open to the public arriving in private
vehicles between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M., Sunday through Thursday,
and on Fridays and arvei yom tov from 6 A.M. until an
hour before candlelighting time. No vehicles will be
permitted to enter the area at night except when funerals are
taking place. Entry into the cemetery on foot is permitted
all hours of the day.
The Jerusalem Municipality asks the public to maintain
decorum, cleanliness and law at the cemetery.
