: A wonderful event took place in the new neighborhood of Maaleh Zeitim, below the Temple Mount, as it welcomed a new Torah scroll into midst.

For the first time in 2,000 years, a Torah scroll was publicly escorted amidst gala singing and dancing through the streets at the foot of the Mt. of Olives. The scroll, donated by the Rennert family in memory of terrorist victim Ido Zoldan, was marched from a synagogue near the Western Wall to the new Maaleh Zeitim neighborhood – which is all but surrounded by Arab residents.

Some 100 families live in the six-building complex, on land purchased by Dr. Irving Moskowitz and built by Ido Zoldan’s contractor father, Nachman.  The neighborhood is located just around the corner from a former Israel Police station, which is awaiting its first occupants after having been recently purchased by Jews and turned into residential apartments.

Ido Zoldan, father of two small children, was murdered at the age of 29 in a Palestinian terrorist ambush shooting attack near Kedumim. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades of Fatah, the wing of the Palestinian Authority run by Mahmoud Abbas, claimed responsibility for the attack as “an act of protest against the Annapolis conference.”

Nachman Zoldan told Arutz-7 today, “People encouraged me to make a fancy procession, with music and all, because it will be the first time of its kind in 2,000 years in this area of Jerusalem.”

Just three weeks ago, the Maaleh Zeitim (Olives Ascent) neighborhood was officially dedicated, in the presence of Cabinet ministers and Knesset Members. Two weeks ago, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the neighborhood’s new synagogue – also to be built by Nachman Zoldan aided by the generosity of the Moskowitz family.

Source: Israel National News

CLICK HERE to become a BUILDER OF JERUSALEM by helping to build a thriving Jewish community on the Mount of Olives.

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!