Radical Jews lodge complaint about Christian symbols at Holy Land site

Jerusalem, October 10, 2025

Photo: ​missionrocor.ru Photo: ​missionrocor.ru     

The Tomb of the Prophets on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, venerated by both Christians and Jews, became the center of public controversy last month.

The ancient burial cave was acquired in the 19th century by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. An Ottoman court at the time confirmed the Mission’s ownership rights, stipulating that the site must remain open to all. For over a century, the Mission has faithfully maintained this agreement, preserving access to the shrine for both Christians and Jews, the Mission reports.

The recent dispute arose after the Mission conducted minor repair work and added small crosses to the stairway railings leading into the cave. However, some radical Jews and far-right political circles protested, claiming the crosses “offend religious sensibilities” and allegedly prevent Jewish prayer in the cave. False claims began circulating online that “Christians had seized” the shrine and closed access to Jews.

Israel’s Ministry of Religious Affairs intervened in the controversy, sending a polite letter requesting removal of the crosses. The Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, showing respect, agreed to replace them with another ancient Christian symbol: the monogram of St. Constantine the Great. However, even this solution drew criticism from the same hostile individuals, who continue to stoke an atmosphere of distrust and publish attacks against the Mission.

The Russian Ecclesiastical Mission reaffirmed its commitment to peace and interfaith respect, maintaining the Tomb of the Prophets as open to all.

“For more than a century, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission has kept the Tomb of the Prophets open to everyone, regardless of faith. We strive to maintain respect for this shrine and for the feelings of all who come here, while remaining faithful to its Christian essence. We expect that the state of Israel will also respect these principles,” a Mission representative stated.

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10/10/2025

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“The Orthodox Community Council will not allow the desecration of a holy place, has filed a police complaint, and will follow up on it,” the church’s statement reads.

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