Serious grave desecration was prevented near the Rambam's
gravesite in Tiveria by an alert avreich from Bnei
Brak who came to pray at the site.
According to tradition, the Shloh and other holy
kadmonim lie buried at the site. Ancient maps show the
entire site as one large cemetery and any change or digging
in the surrounding area is certain to harm the gravesites of
kadmonim lying buried there for centuries.
A few years ago a small kiosk was set up to provide
refreshments for visitors. Recently the owner decided to
expand the kiosk and, after obtaining building permits from
the Tiveria Municipality which required him to renovate the
existing sewage infrastructures, he began foundation work.
The avreich, who was conversant with the ancient maps
determining the entire site as one large cemetery, summoned
the relevant authority to put a stop to the construction
work.
Rabbi Michah Rothschild, chairman of the Association for the
Prevention of Grave Desecration, told Yated Ne'eman
that the site is indeed full of graves and any digging
constitutes an act of grave desecration. He laid the blame on
the Tiveria Municipality, which is well aware of the numerous
ancient graves which are located at the site.
