The Tomb of Prophet Nahum Endangered by ISIS: Calls for the UN to Save It

News Staff : Aug 2, 2016
JNS.org

But then, the UN hasn't even been able to save people from ISIS, let alone a sacred Jewish tomb.

(Israel)—[JNS.org] Sherd Mamsani, who was appointed the Jewish representative of the Iraqi Kurdistan's Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs by the Kurdish Regional Government last year, is fighting to save the tomb of the Biblical Prophet Nahum from decay. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The Prophet Nahum, whose tomb is located in the town of Al Qosh, is known for predicting the fall of the Assyrian Empire. The tomb lies inside a synagogue in the Christian town of Al Qosh. The synagogue is guarded by a Christian family. In recent years Jewish groups have been visiting the grave, and concern has been growing about the tomb's proximity to areas where the Islamic State is active. 

"We demand all the historical heritage preservation organizations, the United Nations, UNESCO, the KRG and all the representatives of countries in Kurdistan help to prevent the destruction of this historical monument," Mamsani said.

"Preventing the destruction of this building is the responsibility of us all. Our call is not a call to ask for money or financial assistance. Our call is just to tell the world that the Iraqi government destroyed many of the historic sites in Iraq and Iran," Mamsani added.

"Now we are like the Jews, the Kurds do not accept the continuation of the demolition and collapse of any of our history," he said.

However, UNESCO told the Jerusalem Post the organization could not help because Kurdistan is not a country.

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.