Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives is a very beautiful place located in Jerusalem. This is a place that many ancient Jews chose for their final resting place. Their body would be in an area full of olive trees that signify strength and peace. There are also lovely mountains and other types of trees that complete the overall landscaping. It is indeed a very beautiful location. There are even entries the Bible that refer to the Mount of Olives giving it a very spiritual as well as historical meaning.
For than 150,000 Jews are believed to have been buried at Mount of Olives. More than a third of them were destroyed in the 1960?s when this land was invaded and controlled by Jordan. The tombstones were used to build roads and supplies for the military troops. It is believed tombstones that marked early figures in the history of Jerusalem were destroyed. Therefore a great deal of the history of Mount of Olives was lost.
The location has been rebuilt and as many tombstones as possible replaced. It has also been opened up again for more people to be buried there as they desire. There are references to very famous people in the Jewish society who have been buried at the Mount of Olives. Some of them were removed due to the earlier mentioned activities. Yet they are still honored as being buried at that location.
In 1992 Menahem Begin who was the prime minister of Jerusalem was buried there. There are some references to early tombstones of Rabbi?s from the 1800?s. For many in the services of Churches, the final way to honor them for their contribution to society is to be buried at the Mount of Olives. Many families want to have everyone buried there so that they will all find peace together for their eternal rest.
There are plenty of references to the Mount of Olives still on our society today. For those that read the Bible finding such entries is a reminder of the freedom to fight for peace that we have been given. There are also references in books, quotes, and beautiful paintings that show us the serenity and beauty that the Mount of Olives continues to offer.