The Cabinet has decided to designate the ancient Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives a national shrine belonging to the people of Israel. The burial ground, which dates back to Biblical times, was desecrated and severely damaged during the 19 years of Jordanian occupation of East Jerusalem. It will be fully repaired and its new status will be established in a law to be presented in the Knesset (Parliament), it was announced. The question of resuming burials in the cemetery has not come up so far. Since its liberation by Israeli forces in the June, 1967 Six-Day War, only a few burials have taken place there, each by special permission of the Chief Rabbinate.
Michael Arnon, former Consul General of Israel in New York, has been named secretary of the Israel Cabinet. His appointment was approved by the Cabinet and will take effect on Sept. 15. He will serve as spokesman for the Government. Mr. Arnon will succeed Mrs. Yael Uzay who has held the post since June, 1962 and who is retiring upon completion of 30 years’ service to the Government and the Jewish Agency.
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