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Funds Sought to Make Christian Shrine of Mt. of Olives, Menaced by Growing Jerusalem

July 9, 1939
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Historic Mount of Olives may be swallowed up by swiftly expanding Jerusalem unless funds are raised to preserve it as a Christian shrine, Colonial Secretary Malcolm MacDonald told the press today.

Declaring Jerusalem was six times larger today than it was in the time of Christ, Mr. MacDonald said the city’s “tentacles” threatened to seize the famous hill. He said the city’s government has tried to prevent construction on the site but cannot stave it off indefinitely because the land belongs to private owners.

“The great hope of the authorities in Jerusalem, and indeed it will be the hope of Christians everywhere,” Mr. MacDonald declared, “is that a trust may be formed similar to the National Trust in England, which will purchase this sacred place. Once inviolate, the Mount could be replanted with olive trees and remain a place of pilgrimage, memories and beauty always.”

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