Preparations for the reburial of the remains of Theodor Herzl, father of modern Zionism, are nearing completion in Jerusalem. A special grave, 13 feet deep, has already been carved out on the summit of the topmost height overlooking Jerusalem. The hill, which is located on the city’s northern outskirts, faces the Mediterranean, on one side, and the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert, on the other.
The coffin containing Dr. Herzl’s remains will be brought from Vienna to the Lydda airport by plane and thence will be escorted to Tel Aviv where a special session of the Knesset will be convened to take custody of the remains. The coffin will remain under guard in the Knesset chambers all night and, in the morning, will be transferred to Jerusalem.
There, members of the Cabinet, deputies of the parliament, members of the Jewish Agency and representatives of municipal councils throughout the country, as well as delegates from the political parties and national institutions will escort the body to the grave in a procession led by an Israeli Army unit. The burial site will be circled by national flag and the green coffin will be lowered to its final rest, without speeches and to the accompaniment of traditional prayers for the dead, as asked in Dr. Herzl’s will.
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