In a festive ceremony held in Hebron, the Chabad House in the city inaugurated phase one of the new 'Field of the Patriarchs' Visitors Center - a new tourist-educational project opposite the Cave of the Patriarchs, designed to make the historical story of the city and the Jewish connection to it throughout the generations accessible to visitors.
Among the participants in the ceremony were Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of Finance Zeev Elkin, Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Struk, Head of the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Council Yisrael Ramson, Head of the Hebron Council Eyal Gelman, and the city's rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Schwartz.
In the first phase, which has just been inaugurated at the visitors' center, which was built in the mythical 'Gutnik' building, an innovative multimedia display of international standard has been established, which includes a video and images of the city of Hebron and its Jewish settlement. The display reviews the story of Hebron from the time of the patriarchs to the present day, with special emphasis on the history and activities of Chabad Hasidism in the city.
The Chabad of Hebron notes that the connection between Chabad Hasidism and Hebron has continued throughout generations, starting with the old Rebbe who sent funds to strengthen the Jewish settlement in the city, through the middle Rebbe who purchased land there and called for the strengthening of Jewish settlement, writing, "Therefore, who is for God, will not spare his wealth and strengthen the Yeshiva of An-Nash in the holy city of Hebron.".
According to the center's operators, most visitors currently only come to the Cave of the Patriarchs, and the new project is intended to expose them to the city's other historical sites, from the ancient cemetery to the Zion of Rebbetzin Menucha Rachel. The project is being led by the Chabad of Hebron with extensive investment, with the assistance of private donations and in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage, which helped fund parts of the project.
""Since ancient times, Chabad rebbes for their generations have supported and encouraged the Jewish community in Hebron," said Rabbi Danny Cohen, Chabad emissary in Hebron. "The Chabad House in Hebron continues this tradition throughout the years. Today we inaugurated the first part of the new center that allows visitors from all walks of life to be exposed to Hebron's historical sites and the story of the entire city, in addition to the Cave of the Patriarchs, and to experience the deep connection to the place.".
