The first piece of real estate in Israel purchased by a Jew was Abraham’s purchase of Ma’arat HaMachpela. One of the most visited tourist sites in Israel, the Ma’arah touches the hearts and souls of the people who visit it.

For 700 years, from 1267 until after the Six Day War in 1967, Jews were unable to enter Ma’arat Hamachpela. Today, because of the Jewish Community of Hebron, there is government infrastructure, tourism and security forces in the area which enable worshipers to pray there in safety.

A visit to Hebron is incomplete without seeing the community. Many visitors are not fully aware of the importance of the Ma’arah and the link to generations upon generations of their ancestors. However, the Hebron Fund, based out of New York, is supporting the building of a new museum in the Bet Hadassah building, to educate Israeli residents and tourists in the importance of Hebron and the foundation of our people.

Two Teaneck residents, Jonathan Gellis and Bennett Schachter, as well as a committee of local residents, have launched a campaign to build a Bergen County room in the museum, which will have technology to assist self-guided tours and give visitors an appreciation of the importance of Hebron and the link to their tradition. There will also be a 4D interactive film which features moving seats, wind and other state of the art experiences. Some 250,000 soldiers, students, tourists and Israeli residents are expected to visit annually.

If you would like to support this effort, please contact them or the Hebron Fund office at (718)677-6886 or www.hebronfund.org It’s an excellent opportunity to have a plaque in honor/memory of a loved one in the second holiest city in the world.