Story perspectives

Court Orders Jerusalem Ministries to Explain Civil Cemetery Delay

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

High Court ordered the Religious Services Ministry, Finance Ministry and Jerusalem Jewish Burial Council to explain July 1 why a civil cemetery has not been built in Jerusalem.
Petitioners say the system favors well-capitalized Orthodox firms, denying residents a genuine civil-burial option, and cite the 1996 law’s clear state duty.
The state replied that Har HaMenuchot development costs of NIS 15 million make financing hard because petitioner Menucha Nechona has not met allocation conditions.

1 of 1

Story summary

High Court ordered the Religious Services Ministry, Finance Ministry and Jerusalem Jewish Burial Council to explain July 1 why a civil cemetery has not been built in Jerusalem.
Petitioners say the system favors well-capitalized Orthodox firms, denying residents a genuine civil-burial option, and cite the 1996 law’s clear state duty.
The state replied that Har HaMenuchot development costs of NIS 15 million make financing hard because petitioner Menucha Nechona has not met allocation conditions.