IDF considering removing graves from Gaza cemetery (illustration)
צילום: חיל חינוך, צה"ל
Cemetery to be evacuated as well
Authorities examining possibility of removing settler graves from Gaza ahead of pullout
IDF and Chief Rabbinate of Israel officials are examining options to evacuate graves from the Gush Katif settlement bloc graveyard ahead of the expected disengagement.
An IDF source said Halacha (Jewish Law) permits the transfer of graves in their entirety, so as not to desecrate them or increase the possibility of mistaken identity cases, and an IDF Gaza Division officer said any solution to the problem would be in accordance with Halacha.
“The evacuation (of the graves) will be carried out by rabbinate personnel only,” he said.
The cemetery in Gush Katif holds 47 graves, and the IDF is taking into consideration that some families will want to transfer the graves of their loved ones with them as they relocate to different cities in Israel as part of the pullout.
As for the rest of the graves, an IDF officer said they would be moved to a temporary cemetery until a permanent solution would be reached.
He said that in recent weeks the IDF has discussed the issue of the Gush Katif cemetery with the settlers, but as the issue is a sensitive one, the IDF has "no intention of rushing (the matter), but rather to preserve the dignity of the deceased.”
One of the issues discussed between IDF and Chief Rabbinate officials pertains to whether or not the Gaza settlers would be permitted to continue to bury their loved ones in the local cemetery, as the Gaza disengagement is scheduled to commence in July.
Gush Katif Religious Council Head Rabbi Yosef Elnekave said Monday he is awaiting orders from chief rabbis on how to deal with the matter.
“We have no information as to what will happen here,” he said.
