YOSEF'S COVENANT
VISION 2024
Yosef stands as an iconic figure in Jewish history, embodying unwavering faith amidst adversity and upholding universal values. Operating within the Egyptian empire, he remained steadfast in his Jewish identity, ultimately ascending to the role of viceroy and overseeing the nation's prosperity. Yosef's legacy inspires reconciliation, peace, and economic stewardship, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Now is the time to follow his example!
Yosef's Tomb in Nablus, situated amidst the Balata refugee camp, currently restricts Jewish access under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction, coordinated with Israeli security. Monthly visits, conducted under heavy security and in the cover of night, demonstrate a deep-seated longing among Jews from diverse backgrounds to visit and pray at this historically significant site.
Yosef's Tomb, a cornerstone of Jewish heritage dating back 3,500 years, remains an undeniable testament to the Jewish people's enduring connection to the Land of Israel. Acquired by Jacob at full price, it holds sacred status alongside the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Despite historical challenges, Jewish settlements thrived at this site until 1927.
Since Israel's establishment in 1948, access to Yosef's Tomb has been sporadic. Following the IDF's capture of Nablus during the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel briefly imposed sovereignty over the area. Despite intermittent security threats, Jewish presence and visits persisted, safeguarded by devoted security forces and students of the "Od Yosef Chai" yeshiva.
In the wake of October 2000 violence, promises to restore Jewish access were unfulfilled, resulting in widespread desecration of Yosef's Tomb. This tragic event marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, underscoring the urgent need for a plan to reclaim and preserve this sacred site.
Today, amid growing spiritual and cultural reconnection to our heritage, we propose a comprehensive plan to restore access to Yosef's Tomb after 24 years of separation.
This initiative, rooted in Yosef's enduring legacy, focuses on three key objectives under the banner "Returning to Yosef's Tomb":
1. Implementing a Practical Plan for Reestablishing Access to the Site in Nablus
2. Establishing a Research Institute and Visitor Center Dedicated to Yosef's Heritage
3. Raising Public Awareness of Yosef's Character and Values through Educational Campaigns
Join us in honoring Yosef's memory and preserving our shared heritage. Together, we can restore access to Yosef's Tomb and celebrate his timeless contributions to Jewish and universal values.
STAGE 1
Returning to Yosef's Tomb
Now is the time for action to return to Yosef's Tomb. Just as we returned to the tomb of his mother, Rachel, in Bethlehem, after it was closed to Jewish prayer from 2000 to 2001, we must now focus on reclaiming access to Yosef's Tomb in Nablus. In 2002, through public pressure, rallies, and the efforts of Pilgrims, a secure road was constructed, ensuring safe passage for Jews to Rachel's Tomb.
Drawing from this successful model, we propose three practical options for returning to Yosef's Tomb:
1. Constructing a Secure Cable Car: Build a secure cable car from the observation point on Mount Gerizim (Mount Bracha) directly to the tomb compound, spanning approximately 200 meters. This plan will undergo review by security experts and architects to ensure safety and feasibility. We must consider whether to approach "through the window" or restore Jewish morale by re-entering Nablus "through the front door."
2. Building a Tunnel: Excavate a tunnel starting from the entrance to Nablus, near the 'Bahad 3' brigade base and the 'Toeh B’Sedeh' caravan, extending approximately one kilometer to the tomb compound.
3. Constructing Concrete Walls: Similar to the model at Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, build concrete walls from the entrance to Nablus through the village of 'Beit Furik' to the tomb compound.
[Proposal number 3 presents the most ideal plan for ensuring secure access to Yosef's Tomb.]
STAGE 2
Institute and Visitor Center
In preparation for the practical return to Yosef's Tomb, we propose establishing a central institute dedicated to compiling all historical information and documents concerning the biblical figure of Yosef and his tomb in Nablus.
This institute will serve as a comprehensive repository and mini-museum, presenting its content at the highest professional and modern standards for global tourists.
The institute will conduct ongoing research activities and curate all historical materials related to the site.
A visitor center will be established in Jerusalem, ideally located either in the Old City or near the National Library. It will feature a 12-minute multilingual film providing a visual narrative of the entire history of Yosef's Tomb in Nablus. The center will showcase artifacts such as Torah scrolls, newspaper clippings, fragments of the tombstone (which has been damaged and destroyed over the years), and more.
In addition to exhibitions, the visitor center will offer a range of books, merchandise, and creative materials related to Yosef's teachings—focusing on themes such as tolerance, peace, reconciliation, leadership, perseverance, vision, and the pursuit of dreams.
STAGE 3
Campaigns and Activism
We lead a comprehensive public campaign utilizing billboards, stickers, newspaper advertisements, social media platforms, and influencer networks to disseminate our messages effectively.
Establishment of Activist Headquarters and Lobbying Team: This initiative aims to engage with the governing authorities through advocacy and public outreach within diverse communities, ensuring widespread awareness and support for our cause.
We invite you to join us and bring the historical vision to fruition!
Our team
The "Return to Yosef" project team, led by Jews United, comprises seasoned activists with over 30 years of involvement with Yosef's tomb in Shcem (Nablus). Their activities have consistently focused on raising public awareness through parliamentary engagements, support demonstrations, public campaigns, and media articles. They have championed petitions and facilitated debates concerning the return to Yosef's Tomb.
Notably, they played a pivotal role in mediating discussions between Prime Minister Olmert (2006-2008) and Palestinian Authority officials to restore the tomb complex, which had been destroyed and burned between 2000-2008. Nachi Weiss, a founding member of the project, authored the most comprehensive documentary-historical book on Yosef's Tomb, published in Hebrew in 2018, and continues to provide leadership within our team.
