The Hidden Cemetery of Jerusalem’s Gan Sacher and the victory of the Six Day War

Jerusalem’s Sacher Park by Anatoli Axelrod

The Jerusalem park called Gan Sacher attracts picnic-goers, athletes, and families but back in 1967 it was the planned site of a cemetery for the projected mass casualties of the invading Arab armies. But Israel’s lighting victory in the Six Day War meant a large cemetery was not necessary. Learn about Harry Sacher, the Zionist philanthropist for whom the site is named who helped draft the Balfour Declaration which declared Palestine as a Jewish homeland.

Also learn about the little-known cemetery from 1948, above Gan Sacher, created when the Jordanians occupied the Mount of Olives. Today, people still visit the grave of the great Hasidic leader Rabbi Gedalia Moshe Goldman, the Zvhiller Rebbe, who once sacrificed his freedom for a fellow Jew in a Soviet prison.

Harry Sacher, Zionist and philanthropist helped draft the Balfour Declaration.

Mimouna celebration in Gan Sacher, 1971. Credit: Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office.

Snow in Gan Sacher, 2022. Credit: Ben Bresky

Snow in Jerusalem’s Gam Sacher, 2022. Credit: Ben Bresky

Rabbi Gedalia Moshe Goldman, the Zvhiller Rebbe

NOTES:

• Zionism and the Jewish Future by Harry Sacher

• Auction of copy of declaration establishing State of Israel

• To Save a Friend - Gedalia Moshe Goldman, Rebbe of Zvhil

• Rabbi Gedalie Moishe Goldman

• Praying at the grave of the Rebbe of Zvhil in a hidden corner of Jerusalem