A special authority to care for Mount Zion, one of the holiest of places in Israel, will take over this week from the Ministry of Religious Affairs after repeated criticism of the present administration, it was announced today.
The new authority was suggested by the Ministry. It will be made up of representative of the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministries of Religion and the Interior, and the Jerusalem Municipality.
Mount Zion is sacred to Jews throughout the world as the site of King David’s tomb. Located on an enclave cutting into Jordan territory, it is the closest point in Israel to the Wailing Wall in old Jerusalem, which is under Jordan control.
Mount Zion also is sacred to Christians, as the site of Christ’s last supper.
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