Extensive renovations are taking place at the Maarat HaMachpela (Cave of Machpela / Tomb of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs) in Hebron. For the first time in 2,000 years, Jewish authorities are undertaking conservation efforts for the holy site. The structure that houses the burial tombs of the Biblical founding fathers and mothers was built during the Second Temple Period.
The maintenance and safety upgrades include renovations to the electricity, installing air conditioning, drainage works, new lighting and a fire protection system.
NEW ROOF “COMPLETES HISTORIC BUILDING”
The most dramatic of the renovations is the long-awaited installation of a roof over the area used for Jewish prayer services. The annual winter rains have often flooded the area, causing damage to the infrastructure. A temporary canopy was insufficient to block the summer sun or winter rain. The new roof consists of a metal frame combined with glass, which protects visitors but also illuminates the structure with a special light.
Dr. Noam Arnon, spokesperson for the Jewish community of Hebron and author of several books on the site stated, “the significance of adding a roof is historic. The Jewish people of our generation are completing a structure built by the Jewish people 2,000 years ago.” Dr. Arnon called it the first “Jewish National Memorial Hall, the first Jewish heritage site in the country and in the world.”
He added, “when the prayers containing the words ‘our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’ are recited here, we ponder their significance for Jews who carried these prayers all over the world, and when Jewish fathers bless their daughters with the traditional blessing, ‘may you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah,’ we think of the founding mothers of the nation, whose resting place will now give their daughters a place of beauty and splendor, prayer and elevation.”
Dr. Arnon noted that the Maarat HaMachpela “stands absolutely intact and active to this day, most likely, the oldest structure in the world that has continued to function continuously as originally intended.”
CELEBRATORY CEREMONY
This week as construction vehicles parked in front of the ancient stone walls, a ceremony was held in the still un-roofed section by the elected officials who pushed for the project.
“There isn’t a single member of the Jewish people who has not felt a deep connection to the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, to the Cave of Machpela, and to our roots here in Hebron,” stated Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose recent legislation paved the way for the project. “This new roofing, together with air conditioning and modern electrical infrastructure, reflects the deep significance of this place and why we are here,” he said.
Orit Strock, the Minister for Settlement and National Missions, and a resident of Hebron stated, “for decades we have acted as if the Cave of Machpela was not ours. Now, for the first time we are renovating here. This has a meaning of ownership and responsibility for this place. It is a move of historical significance.”
Eyal Gelman, the head of the Hebron municipal administration said, “after years of dedication and unsuccessful attempts, we were able to rise with a national spirit… to erect the roof on the Cave of Machpela and honor the place of the founders of our nations, the patriarchs and matriarchs.”
NEW JURISDICTION
The Islamic Waqf and Palestinian Authority-run Hebron Municipality were given jurisdiction of the site, with Israeli bodies maintaining maintenance of the Jewish designated area. But any change, even a new light bulb, needed permission from the Waqf. This year, Minister Smotrich, along with the planning bodies, transferred power from the PA to an Israeli body, allowing the renovations to take place.
Many Palestinian Authority leaders have openly called for the removal of all Jewish residents from the city and the banning of Jewish visitors to the Maarat HaMachpela.
The Machpela site has separate entrances and prayer sections for Jewish and Muslim worshipers. The Muslim side comprises about 65% of the building including the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca, which is inside a roofed structure originally built as a church during the Crusader period.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
When King Herod the Great of Judea built the structure atop the Cave of Machpela, it was an open courtyard and a large drainage system was not necessary. Over the generations the Byzantines, Mamluks and others made additions.
In the year 1267, the Mamluks, a Muslim military caste from Egypt, banned all non-Muslims from entering the site. Jews were allowed to ascend to the seventh step of the staircase leading inside. This lasted for 700 years until the Six Day War of 1967.
Since then, Jewish visitors struggled to assert their right to access the site which led to the Muslim-Jewish division of today.
A tarpaulin roof mounted on a metal frame was installed over the Jewish prayer area but was insufficient to prevent flooding.
PA PREVENTS CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Over 20 years ago, a roof project was planned at the initiative of the Jewish community of Hebron administration led by Avraham Ben Yosef and planned by architect Erol Packer, who previously restored the historic Avraham Avinu synagogue and Beit Hadassah building.
This would have included a drainage system and central air conditioning for the entire Machpela structure, including the area allocated to Muslims.
The plan was reviewed and received approval from all professional bodies, including archaeological, engineering and security personnel. The special glass parts were ordered from a European manufacturer specializing in such projects, arrived in Israel and were stored in a warehouse. But objections from legal advisors and lack of consent from the Muslim Waqf caused the project to be halted. The special glass parts sat in storage and became unusable while those who initially planned the project retired and some have passed away.
Today, while the site undergoes renovations, the planners look forward to the coming weeks in which visitors will be welcomed to an improved, modernized ancient building which retains the historic charm.
Yishai Fleisher, director of international and government affairs for the Jewish Community of Hebron, told JNS news, “it has a really high-end look and feel and, of course, it will make worship inside much more pleasant, more moving and more spiritual. It also shows the State of Israel is engaging with the site and recognizes its importance to our heritage, tourism and the identity of Israel.”
“The government is showing that Jewish heritage will not be allowed to fall into the hands of people who want to erase our history and identity, “ he added, noting that on a certain level, “we are fulfilling the fifth commandment, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother,’ by making their place beautiful.”
