In this episode of “Judeacation,” JNS Middle East correspondent Josh Hasten sits down with longtime Israel advocate Jeff Daube, Israel chair of the International Committee for Har HaZeitim, to explore why the Mount of Olives (Har HaZeitim) remains one of the most strategically and spiritually significant places in all of Israel.
Together, they uncover the urgent need to protect and preserve the oldest active Jewish cemetery in the world, located on Jerusalem’s eastern ridge, a site that has witnessed desecration, war and renewal. From the burial sites of Jewish prophets and leaders to modern-day security threats and revitalization efforts, Daube reveals the remarkable progress being made, including a new visitor and education center set to open in 2027 with enhanced security infrastructure.
Topics covered:
- The Mount of Olives as a strategic asset in the battle for Jerusalem
- Desecration under Jordanian rule and efforts to restore 40,000 damaged graves
- Education and advocacy through Har HaZeitim’s new visitor center
- The cultural and religious significance of historic Jewish figures buried on the site
- How grassroots activism is reshaping security and memory in Judea and Samaria
Don’t miss this powerful conversation that ties together Jewish history, security and Zionist resilience in Israel’s biblical heartland.
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