Tuesday, February 07, 2006
"Workers have uncovered dozens of skeletons in recent weeks at the construction site of the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, Haaretz has learned. The reports reveal for the first time the extent of the work at the site, Jerusalem's main Muslim cemetery until 1948, as well as claims of carelessness by many of those involved in uncovering the remains. An expert who visited the site recently told Haaretz that "at least 150 skeletons" had been found, and that they are "no doubt" the remains of Muslims. Professionals in the field said the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is conducting a major excavation at the site, headed by three archaeologists. The professionals were critical of the fact that the IAA had not involved Muslim bodies such as the Waqf, the Muslim religious trust, which has the know-how to deal with the remains. The professionals said the IAA's behavior was motivated by monetary concerns, as the excavation is a source of income for the organization."