When “accessibility” is used as cover for an attempt to annex and claim sovereignty over the Tomb of the Patriarchs
On June 12 2019, the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee met regarding accessibility at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The backdrop to this meeting is the ongoing struggle of individuals who use wheelchairs seeking to pray, like any other, at the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
Seeking to ensure the rights of people living with disabilities as well as freedom of worship for people of all faiths, Attorney Becky Keshet, director of RHR’s advocacy work, and Dr. Yehuda Schwartz, director of RHR’s field work, attended the meeting and followed the discussion with great interest.
The head of the Civil Administration, Ben-Hur, stated that negotiations are being held with an authorized official from the Palestinian Authority on all questions- from a small elevator to roofing and bathrooms on the Jewish side to a few other concerns on the Palestinian side. He added that a number of alternatives had been examined as per to the Committee’s request in the previous hearing. He add that according to a legal opinion, it is possible to expropriate land from the Waqf ( Islamic charitable trust which controls part of the structure) and the Hebron municipality planning authorities. He recommended this be done in cooperation, and not unilaterally.
Some members of the committee objected to any negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Others warned that such would take too long, as there is a one month deadline for negotiations.
Ostensibly, this is a humanitarian need that serves both Jewish and Palestinian individuals living with disability. However, right-wing Knesset members demanded Israel claim sovereignty over the area and annex it on the grounds that it belongs to us, as it was purchased by Avraham for 400 shekels. Because of this, they stated, we are the rightful owners of the building and do not have to ask permission from anyone…
As we recall in the Book of Genesis, Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael: “His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the Cave of the Machpelah” (Genesis 25: 9). Thus, we see that after their paths split, the men met up again together to bury their father in Hebron. This act carries hope of reconciliation between the two sons in the future — in Hebron specifically— around their common father. This hope must not be destroyed.
The Tomb of the Patriarchs, Abraham’s burial place, “the friend of Gd,” Al Khalil in Arabic, is the place where the children of Israel and the sons and daughters of Ishmael must join together to make a statement to those living with disability. Here, in this place of both profound religious significance that is also a bleeding wound in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is an opportunity to nurture interfaith connection rather than sow yet more discord. May we take it.
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