Between 1948 and 1967, when Israel's Mount of Olives was under Jordanian control, some 40,000 graves were destroyed. The tombstones of this ancient cemetery, where Jews have buried their dead for over 2,000 years were used as paving stones for a hotel and for Jordanian army camps. During this period a new road was paved from the top of the Mount of Olives southward and the main road to Jericho was widened on top of graves.
Just last week, an unarmed Jewish Worshipper at the tomb of Joseph near Nablus in the West bank was killed, and the sacred site vandalized.
Photo from Reuters
We are admonished not to "stand idly by" in the face of evil. Again, it is time for the Jewish community to mobilize, not for Israel, or for each other, but for our neighbors.
The Greater Vallejo Recreational District is about to desecrate a ceremonial and burial site sacred to the First nations of the Americas. Glen Cove is a sacred gathering place and burial ground that has been utilized by numerous Native American tribes since at least 1,500 BC. Today, Glen Cove continues to be spiritually important to local Native communities. It is located just south of Vallejo, California along the Carquinez Strait, a natural channel that connects the Sacramento River Delta to the San Francisco Bay. Glen Cove is known as Sogorea Te in Karkin Ohlone language.
The plan is to bulldoze a large section in order to install a parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables and trails, though there are similar facilities nearby. Representatives of the indigenous peoples have been holding an around-the-clock protest vigil at the site for 3 weeks, complete with tepee and sacred rituals.
Let's join them and show our support. After all, as Jews we know what it is to have our own sacred burial sites co-opted and desecrated . We can share our histories and stand in solidarity . All are welcome.
Bring seating and food if you so desire.
Sunday, May 8 at 2:00 PM at Glen Cove, Vallejo. See the Glen Cove website for details for directions and details. Call 510 548-9035 about carpooling
Why should the Jewish community get involved? This is about living Hillel's words "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
