Germany denies Israel’s ownership of the Dead Sea Scrolls, apparently siding with the Palestinian attempt to steal Israel’s history and heritage.
A German politician criticized his government for denying Israel’s ownership of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which led to the cancellation of a planned exhibit of the ancient Jewish text next year,The Jerusalem Post reported Friday.
“If Germany is unwilling to clearly express the legal status of the fragments of Qumran as Israeli world cultural heritage goods, it would dramatically change the coordinates in our German-Israeli relations,” Uwe Becker, deputy mayor of Frankfort, told the Post‘s European correspondent, Benjamin Weinthal.
Becker sent a letter of protest to both Monika Grütters, Germany’s minister of culture and media, and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.
Germany’s refusal to acknowledge Israel’s ownership over the valuable historical texts prevented the Bible House Museum in Frankfurt, which was to have displayed the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, from issuing an “Immunity from Seizure” document, ensuring that the scrolls would be returned to their home in Israel. Becker pointed out that museums in other European nations, including Austria and the Netherlands, have issued “Immunity from Seizure” documents allowing the Dead Sea Scrolls to be displayed there.
The scrolls, mostly Hebrew writings from the Second Temple period, were discovered in the Qumran Caves in the environs of the Dead Sea. They include many biblical texts and are believed to have been written by members of a Jewish sect known as the Essenes, showing evidence of the historical ties of Jews to the land of Israel.
The area in which the scrolls were discovered, coveted by the Palestinians, is under Israeli rule.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) last year approached UNESCO, the cultural agency of the United Nations, demanding possession of the texts, and it appears that the Germans are siding with the Palestinians on this issue.
This latest move by the PA is part of a diplomatic war against Israel in an attempt to generate international pressure and delegitimize the Jewish state, while robbing it of its national identity and legacy. The Palestinians falsely claim to be the indigenous population in Israel, in contradiction to all historical and archaeological findings.
By: The Tower and United with Israel Staff
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!