Israel Matzav

Just imagine if Jews or Christians were doing this to a Muslim site

Remember the outrage a few years ago because Israel was doing salvage excavations at the Mughrabi Gate to the Temple Mount? Compare that to the silence with which Muslim construction that is endangering a Christian holy site is being greeted (Hat Tip: Jihad Watch).

"In the last few weeks the cemetery above has built this wooden construction into which they are now ready to pour hundreds of tons of concrete on top of our wall," he explained.

Jerusalem's Islamic waqf is building the wall to enlarge a Muslim cemetery. However, Meryon fears the construction could bring a catastrophe.

"Just beneath (the wall) we have three or four areas where Christians are worshipping every day. So we have the potential here in heavy rain or in snow, or even in one of those earth tremors that Jerusalem is famous for -- you only need one of those events to happen and this new wall could collapse," he said. "It could kill 200 visitors, pilgrims, and tourists in the garden worshipping."

The new wall also violates three local building codes and does not have a city permit. The structure is supposed to be built three feet away from any existing structure and permission is required.

"They have never sought my permission," Meryon said. "We have been in active discussion and I am now negotiating with them. I cannot allow them to build this wall until they prove to me beyond all reasonable doubt that this wall is going to be safe."

A spokesman from the Muslim cemetery told CBN News they do not have a license, but claim the new wall is safe. The mayor's office also said officials will make sure the building is legal so Jerusalem can remain open to tourists.

If you've ever walked from the American Consulate in 'east' Jerusalem to Damascus Gate (which is called Sha'ar Shchem - Nablus Gate - in Hebrew), you've walked right past this place. It's on the left side as you head down the street from the American consulate toward Damascus Gate.

Let's go to the videotape.



If this were Jewish or Christian construction threatening a Muslim site, you'd see it on CBS and not just on CBN. Double standard anyone?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:19 PM