Tomb of R. Shimon bar Yohai under state control

THE TOMB OF RABBI SHIMON BAR YOHAI is in the news:

Israel's second-most visited Jewish holy site, now under state control

Decision comes about 10 days after High Court turns down petition by a yeshiva that operates at the ancient tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, against the intention to expropriate the site.

By Eli Ashkenazi (Haaretz)

The cabinet decided Sunday to place the ancient tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai under the management of a special government company under the supervision of the tourism minister.

It is expected to cost approximately NIS 27 million to implement the decision.

Signs leading to men’s and women’s sections at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron.

About 10 days ago the High Court turned down a petition by a yeshiva that operates at the tomb, located in Meron near Safed in the north, against the intention to expropriate the site.

The yeshiva belongs to a Sephardic hekdesh, a type of organization that traditionally administers properties for charitable purposes.

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From several days ago. Background on the site and the rabbi is here.