Consider the stones beneath your feet here at Mount Zion Cemetery. They tell tales of faith, history, and sometimes, unfortunately, hate. This cemetery, also known as the Protestant Mount Zion Cemetery, is an ecumenical space. It is maintained by British and German Protestant church bodies.
Mount Zion itself is a broad, low hill. It sits adjacent to the south side of Jerusalem’s Old City. This mount connects to the Armenian Quarter via the Zion Gate. Mount Zion’s significance stretches back centuries. It played a vital role in the Bible and Second Temple Jerusalem. Zion became symbolic of the Holy Land and Jerusalem.
Here at Mount Zion Cemetery, established in 1848, lies a unique history. Bishop Samuel Gobat opened it. This cemetery became a final resting place for people of different backgrounds. Among them are members of the armed forces and clergy.
Did you know that this cemetery also holds war graves? Here lie fallen soldiers from World War I. There are eleven German, five Austro-Hungarian, and two British soldiers.
However, the peace of Mount Zion Cemetery has been disturbed. In recent years, acts of vandalism have occurred here. In one incident, more than 30 graves were damaged. Security footage showed individuals pushing over tombstones. They were smashing them with rocks. These acts were condemned as hate crimes. Religious leaders called for respect and understanding.
Despite these incidents, Mount Zion Cemetery remains an important site. It stands as a testament to Jerusalem’s diverse history. It also stands as a reminder of the need for tolerance.
Mount Zion has other significant sites as well. David’s Tomb is here. King David is said to be buried here. His cenotaph is in a small room.
The Upper Room is on the upper level of the same building. It is believed to be where Jesus had his Last Supper. This room has a Gothic vault ceiling. It was once a mosque dedicated to the Prophet David. You can still see the minaret.
The Dormition Abbey is one of the largest structures on Mount Zion. It stands where the Byzantine-era Hagia Zion Church once stood. This abbey marks where Mary is thought to have passed away.
On the eastern slope is the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. It is built on the site where Jesus was imprisoned. He was brought before the High Priest Caiaphas here. A rooster weather vane sits on the church roof. This recalls Peter’s denial of Jesus.
Mount Zion also houses a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. A museum dedicated to Israeli sculptor David Palombo is here as well. Oscar Schindler, who saved 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, is buried in the Catholic cemetery on Mount Zion.
Take a moment to reflect. Mount Zion Cemetery represents a complex tapestry of faith and history. It is a place of remembrance and reflection.