All Holy Sites in Israel to Be Closed - Reason Named

Israel's Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to close all holy sites under its management in case of extreme necessity. The reason is the High Court of Justice's suspension of funding, including 33 million shekels for the upkeep of Rachel's Tomb, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the Prophet Samuel, and King David. Director General Yehuda Avidan warned that without the budget, the center's operations will cease in early September, before Rosh Hashanah.

Israel's Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to close all holy sites under its management in case of extreme necessity. This could happen as early as early September, about a week and a half before the Rosh Hashanah holiday. The reason is the High Court of Justice's suspension of funds previously approved by the Knesset Finance Committee. The sum in question is 33 million shekels for the upkeep of popular pilgrimage sites, including the tomb of the matriarch Rachel, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the Prophet Samuel, and King David. The ministry's Director General, Yehuda Avidan, warned the deputy head of the National Center for the Development of Holy Sites, Israel Deri, that without the approved budget, the ministry would not be able to continue its work. If the issue is not resolved by the end of August, the activities of the center and the holy sites will have to be completely halted. This period is one of the busiest seasons for prayer sites, when worshippers flock for Selichot and prepare for the autumn holidays.