graves. After a period of time, the work was resumed as well as the protests of the ultra-Orthodox activists which was also resumed. Neturei Karta activists had protesters physically protecting the graves throughout the day in shifts, preventing the workers and archaeologists to approach the graves. Another group of ultra-Orthodox activists from Bnei Brak joined them later as well. The groups of protesters consisted of hundreds of people, and they also held demonstrations in the streets of Tiberias. Neturei Karta also claimed at the time that they are considering turning to the United Nations to intervene in this affair. Later on, one of the tractors working at the site accidentally hit the nearby grave of Isaiah Horowitz. Even though it happened accidentally, this event created a rage among the protesters, and the tractor driver had to quickly flee from the area for his life. Following this incident and the uproar it initiated, it was eventually decided to suspend the work at Maimonides' tomb site. Representatives of the Religious Services Minister of Israel and the Chief Rabbinate pledged that no excavation work would be done in the site. Later, a large metal structure was erected over the tomb complex. It symbolizes a crown, indicating the great respect accorded Maimonides in Jewish tradition. Identification of place of Burial of Maimonides The earliest source for the claim that Maimonides is buried in Tiberias is Al-Qifti, and this view is corroborated by a wide variety of 13th-15th century chronicles. The earliest source to introduce doubt was Samuel Shullam, who wrote "He was buried in Tiberias, or, as some say, he was buried with the Patriarchs in Hebron." Most modern scholars agree that Maimonides was buried in Tiberias, though argued that his body never left Egypt. References External links The Tomb of Maimonides at goisrael.com Maimonides Buildings and structures in Tiberias Jewish pilgrimage sites Tombs in Israel Sea of Galilee