Renovated and redecorated - Joseph's
Renovated and redecorated - Joseph'sMa'ayan Ayish

A new ornate cover has been placed on the gravestone of the Biblical Patriarch Joseph in Shechem. 

Arutz Sheva reader Ma'ayan Ayish of Yitzhar took first photos of the new cover and sent them to us, to show the world.

The tombstone was defiled and desecrated by Arab vandals in 2000. Vandalization of other religions' holy sites is common practice among Muslims, who expect that their own holy sites be treated with the utmost respect. 

 

The site of Joseph's tomb had been off-limits to Jewish worshipers for seven years after it was overrun and ransacked by Arab rioters in September 2000. Israeli soldier Medhat Yusef was killed in that attack.
 
Over the last three years, Samaria Regional Council director Gershon Mesika has been advancing efforts to rebuild the holy site and restore free access for Jewish visitors to the site. ‎In response, the Israeli military has allowed some midnight visits to the site for a limited number of guests from time to time. Recently, basic renovations were carried out by the Council with the assistance of the IDF. Damage to the ancient domed roof was repaired and a new tombstone was set in place. 
 
David Ha'ivri, director of the Shomron Liaison Office said Tuesday: "I am glad to see progress in our efforts to re-establish Jewish rights at Kever Yosef. The situation here and the events that led a Jewish holy place in the Land of Israel to be desecrated, neglected and closed to Jews should be a warning call to anyone who has not yet understood that the path of negotiating our land away to Arabs can only lead to tragedy. We will countinue our efforts to correct these mistakes and to return honor to Yosef haTzadik."