The Son of Lawi shrine is located in the outskirts of Silat ad-Dhahr town between Nablus and Jenin governorates on a hill overlooking large landscapes of mountain slopes and plains north of Nablus city.
Khaled Tamim researcher and touristic guide said that the Son of Lawi shrine is a historic and a heritage site because it embraces a tomb of a religious man. It has been known as an Ottoman Sufi shrine for decades and located on a hill that witnessed many historical phases. It has been existing since the Iron Age until the moment according to experts he pointed out.
The shrine includes a group of graves that belong to martyrs of 1936–39 Arab revolt in Palestine who were killed along with Sheikh Ezzeddin al-Qassam. The last renovation of the holy site was done in 2008. Since then it has been used by the local community under the supervision of the municipality.
Tamim added in a statement to the PIC that Lawin shrine was built with stones dating back to different historic phases as well as relics of Byzantine and Roman pillars. It contains a number of rooms used as a mosque and a Sufi worship corner. It was demolished in the eighties after the departure of Salim al-Qayyim the last Sufi who used the holy place.
Martyrs burial ground
Tamim highlighted that the martyrs’ graves which are located within the shrine belong to martyrs of 1936–39 Arab revolt in Palestine. There is a structure taking the form of a tomb located inside the original room at the site he added.
The holy place was renovated by Ruwaq Foundation and the Sweden Government for the interest of the Youth Welfare Association. The shrine however was attacked by saboteurs resulting in the ruin of all of the accomplished works. These attacks included excavation of the Son of Lawi grave along with the other graves of martyrs more than once at the pretext of searching for antiquities and treasures.
Emad Hantouli mayor of Silat ad-Dhahr town opined that the shrine is a very significant site saying that attacking it is an irresponsible act that reflects disrespect for the town’s treasures. He called for maintaining it and urging people to visit the historic site.
For his part Deputy Mayor of Silat ad-Dhahr Fathi Abu Osbeh revealed that some children destroyed the shrine just for fun.
The municipality condemned such acts he emphasized adding that the municipality intends to renovate the shrine again for its historical value.
