Israel responded to a period of incessant attacks by Arabs on Jews coming to pray at graves of their families and to the Arabs´ systematic desecration of the ancient Mount of Olives cemetery by oficially opening a police station on the Mount of Olives Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Security Yitzchak Aharonovich, Police District Commander Maj. Gen. Niso Shacham, Director of Religions Ministry Avigdor Ochana and other officials.

Minister Aharonovich spoke at the ceremony and stressed that the station is being opened at a strategic spot, and predicted that it will make Jerusalem residents safer and protect the people who visit the Mount.

"The need for a police grasp on the Mount of Olives became apparent after several incidents in which rocks and fire bombs were thrown at visitors, as well as smashing of tombstones. I give my blessings to the opening of the police station and hope it will put an end to hooliganism."

First Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Avraham Kook and his son, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook and Rabbi Avraham Shapira of Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva, the Nevardok Rebbe and many other famous rabbis and historic figtures are buried on the mount - including Prime Minister Menachem Begin, some of the victims of the 1929 Arab massacres and Gush Katif residents whose graves were moved during the 2005 expulsion. For thousands of years, as well as now, people have requested burial on the mount as it is opposite the Old City of Jerusalem. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 04/05/12)