Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08JERUSALEM2114 | 2008-11-24 15:34:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Consulate Jerusalem |
1. (SBU) Summary: The Israeli High Court of Justice decided on October 29 to allow the Simon Wiesenthal Center to resume construction of the Museum of Tolerance on the site of the Mamilla Muslim cemetery. The ruling, plus the rapid appearance of construction equipment at the site, has already sparked protests and harsh condemnation. The site is located in West Jerusalem, some several hundred meters from the Consulate General. Post recommends that the USD 5 million grant for the museum be canceled unless a new site is chosen. End Summary. High Court Decision -------------------------- 2. (SBU) After a prolonged court battle, the Israeli High Court of Justice rejected a petition submitted by the Al-Aqsa Company for Development of Holy Muslim Assets to stop the construction of the Museum of Tolerance on the site of the Mamilla Muslim cemetery in West Jerusalem. (Note: The cemetery is across the street from the Consulate General. End Note.) Construction of the Museum of Tolerance has been delayed since 2006, when Israeli High Court issued an injunction halting construction (Ref A). 3. (SBU) The High Court ruled on October 29 that the planning of the museum was completed prior to the discovery of graves, that the site had not been classified as a cemetery for decades, and that plans for the museum were prepared properly and without public opposition. The ruling received strong condemnation from Palestinians and from Israel's Arab and Muslim communities. According to press reports, hundreds of opponents to the museum's location held a non-violent demonstration at the Mamilla cemetery on November 6. Rapid Construction Begins -------------------------- 4. (SBU) In the few weeks since the ruling, ConGenOffs have seen construction equipment on-site and what appears to be the rapid commencement of excavation or land clearing. Comment and Action Request -------------------------- 5. (C) We expect strong reactions from Palestinians and Israeli Arabs as construction proceeds. Popular reaction - both here and across the region - will be enflamed once there is publicity about the USD 5 million State Department grant to the Wiesenthal Center for this museum. Local protests could also be directed at the Consulate given our proximity to the site. Post strongly recommends that his grant be terminated immediately, unless the center agrees to move the Museum to another site. WALLES |