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In 1957 Judea and Samaria were not controlled by Israel. Places like the Kotel, Shchem and Hebron were not in Jewish hands. That’s why the burial site of Shamai and Hillel in Meron were considered the “holiest sites” of that time.

In 1967, Judea, Samaria (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem were liberated. Jews now have access to the burial places of Abraham, Isaac Jacob, Sara, Rivka and Leah who were buried in Hebron. Rachel was buried in Bethlehem, Joseph in Shechem and Joshua in the Shomron.

Today, people who visit Israel’s holy sites may not even make the time to visit the graves of Hillel and Shami.

The graves of Hillel and Shamai are located in Meiron, which is a suburb of the city of Tzfat. Many famous Rabbis are also buried there, including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Hillel and Shammai were famous Rabbis who disagreed over the interpretation of the Law, but still got along with one another. Hillel was known for his lenient views, which often conflicted with the strict stance of Shammai who was the other leading scholar of that time.