After Yigal Shiloh’s death, posters appeared in the ultra-Orthodox section of Jerusalem known as Mea Shearim, calling for rejoicing at the archaeologist’s death. He was referred to as an “evil man.” His “great suffering” from the cancer that wracked his body was attributed to his having disturbed an alleged medieval Jewish cemetery during the course of the City of David excavations. His suffering would continue in the grave and in the world to come, the posters claimed. The posters were unsigned.
Israel’s Chief Rabbinate condemned the posters. “This is not our way and we deeply deplore this form of action,” Rabbi Eitan Eisman, director of the Chief Rabbinate, stated.—Ed.
