An ancient Jewish cemetery was unearthed during excavations in the Maale HaZeitim area of Jerusalem. The Arab inhabitants of nearby Shiloach (Silwan) had converted the ancient cemetery into a garbage dump, resulting in more than two tons of waste on top of the graves. Thus far, twenty-two gravestones have been uncovered by the Amutat Hayim organization, including that of the famous Rabbi Elazar Papo, author of the book “Pele Yoetz.” Initially, as the work began, Arabs attempted to agitate the local population, but after the graves were discovered, they withdrew. Based on old maps of the Mount of Olives, the organization is expecting to uncover hundreds of graves as excavations continue.