security outside the cave patriarchs jerusalem

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Security outside the Cave of the Patriarchs, Jerusalem Royalty Free Stock Photo

Security outside the Cave of the Patriarchs, Jerusalem

The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, West Bank, also known by Muslims as the Sanctuary of Abraham, is a shrine complex built mainly under Herod. The Hebrew name of the complex reflects the very old tradition of the double tombs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah, considered the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Jewish people, who are all believed to be buried there. This is the second holiest site in Judaism after the Western Wall in Jerusalem and is a Jewish pilgrimage destination. It is also highly sacred to Muslims, who revere Abraham highly as a true prophet of God, and to Christians for the same reason. Today, this place is the center of ongoing conflicts between Palestinians and Jews in Hebron and is therefore carefully segregated and under tight security.