There is definitely no lack of ancient graves in Israel. Some parts of the country are almost flooded with graves of Zaddikim (righteous / famous Rabbis). However, there are also many doubts about whose grave it really is. Is the location of Rabbi Akivah's grave really his grave ? A local from Tiberias told me the story that many many years ago, a woman lost her way in the dark and ended up falling into a pit. Suddenly she heard voices and the one voice spoke to her. The voice of Rabbi Akivah who said that he is buried at this particular spot. The woman escaped from the pit and, on her way back to Tiberias, marked her way with stones. Since then, people believe that the spot is the grave of Rabbi Akivah.
Furthermore, the location of the graveside of King David on Jerusalem's Mount Zion is more than controversial. Especially because it was mainly the Catholic Church claiming that the spot was the grave of David HaMelech. Others ask, whether King David is not rather buried close to his son Avshalom in the Kidron Valley (near Mount Zion).
Memorial Candles
The Ezrat Nashim (women's side)
The grave of King David ?
Covered by a red silk cloth.
Photos: Miriam Woelke
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