In light of the events of recent weeks, the Israel Chapter of ICOMOS, the International Council of Monuments and Sites, sees a moral obligation to address these implications on cultural heritage.

ICOMOS Israel expresses its pain at the loss of life, loss of property, and damage to the heritage assets of our region.

Considerable resources and many years have been invested in protecting, preserving, and developing heritage sites in Israel in general and the Old City of Acre in particular. This has been implemented through community participation for current needs and future generations. The destruction of heritage assets is also accompanied by the destruction of the social fabric and damage to mutual trust and neighborly relations that serve as the basis for the sustainable preservation of the country's historic cities.

ICOMOS Israel calls on the authorities and all bodies involved in law enforcement and conservation to act in protecting these irreplaceable heritage assets.

ICOMOS Israel calls on all the communities to respect the diversity of the country's legacies, as our common heritage; to respect the religious beliefs of all communities, their customs, their sacred places as well as the lifestyle that characterizes every community.

ICOMOS Israel expresses the hope that these heritage assets will continue to play an important role in restoring relations between communities soon and in their social and economic development.