ISRAEL

[Guest]

.

[Natasha]

Israel

The State of Israel (Hebrew:  מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל (help·info), Medīnat Yisrā'el, IPA: [me̞diˈnät jisʁäˈʔe̞l]; Arabic: دَوْلَة إِسْرَائِيل‎ Dawlat Isrāʼīl, IPA: [dawlat ʔisraːˈʔiːl]) is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan and the West Bank in the east, Egypt and the Gaza Strip on the southwest, and contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. Israel is defined as a Jewish and democratic state in its Basic Laws and is the world's only Jewish-majority state.

Following the 1947 United Nations decision to partition Palestine, on 14 May 1948 David Ben-Gurion, the Executive Head of the World Zionist Organization and president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, declared Israel a state independent from the British Mandate for Palestine. Neighbouring Arab states invaded the next day in support of the Palestinian Arabs. Israel has since fought several wars with neighboring Arab states, in the course of which it has occupied the West Bank, Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights. Portions of these territories, including east Jerusalem, have been annexed by Israel, but the border with the neighboring West Bank has not yet been permanently defined. Israel has signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, but efforts to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict have so far not resulted in peace.

The population of Israel, defined by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics to include all citizens or nationals, but not foreign workers, within Israel itself and in the Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, was estimated in June 2011 to be 7,751,000 people, of whom 5,818,200 are Jewish. Arabs form the country's second-largest ethnic group, which includes both Muslims and Christians. Other minorities are Druze, Circassians and Samaritans. At the end of 2005, 93% of the Arab population of East Jerusalem had permanent residency and 5% had Israeli citizenship. In the Golan Heights, Druze are entitled to citizenship but most have rejected it in favor of "loyalty to Syria."

Israel is a developed country and a representative democracy with a parliamentary system and universal suffrage. The Prime Minister serves as head of government and the Knesset serves as Israel's unicameral legislative body. Israel has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The economy, based on the nominal gross domestic product, was the 42nd-largest in the world in 2010, and has a very high rating on the Human Development Index. Jerusalem is the country's capital, although it is not recognized internationally as such. In 2010, Israel joined the OECD.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

[Natasha]

Israel's Archaeological Treasures: The Judean Foothills

ROMAN HOUSE IN BEIT  GUVRIN
Israel leads the world with the highest per capita rate of archaeological excavations and expeditions. These high school volunteers excavate the cellar of a Roman house in Beit Guvrin in the Judean foothills as part of a unique program for archaeology buffs, "Dig for a Day".


CEMETERY IN BEIT GUVRIN
The Roman - Byzantine Cemeteries of Beit Guvrin have tombs with rolling stone doorways, the kind of tomb entrance which was commonly used in that time. The New Testament describes the place where Jesus was buried as just such a tomb.


LIFE UNDERGROUND IN  BEIT  GUVRIN
Soft limestone rocks allowed dwellers of the Beit Guvrin area in Roman times to carve elaborate underground work, storage, and living rooms interconnected by tunnels. This provided protection from invaders as well as from the climate.


OLIVE OIL STORAGE  ROOM,  AMATZIA
Amatzia, the headquarters of the Bar-Kochba revolt against the Romans (132-135 C.E.) is located in a labyrinth of over 40 interconnected underground rooms. This olive oil storage room, with its grooved floor, allowed oil spilled to be saved and recollected in a stone-cut depression in the floor. The storage pots are replicas of original pots unearthed here.


BELL-SHAPED CISTERN,  AMATZIA
This bell-shaped cistern was hewn from the soft local limestone of Amatzia. It was put to secondary use as a water cistern, and later turned into a columbarium where, during Roman times, it is believed that either pigeons used the carved niches on the walls for nesting, or the place was a non-Jewish burial site for cremated ashes.


THE TOMB OF THE  PATRIARCHS,  HEBRON
The Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron (Cave of Machpelah), bought by Abraham as the burial place for his wife Sarah, is venerated by both Moslems and Jews. The biblical patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and their wives (Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah) are believed to be buried here. The tomb of Rachel, Jacobs most beloved wife who died in childbirth, is located in Bethlehem.


THE CHURCH OF THE  NATIVITY,  BETHLEHEM
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, dominates Manger Square. The original basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in 325 CE.


THE GROTTO OF THE  NATIVITY,  BETHLEHEM
At the church, the Grotto of Nativity is built around a cave revered by Chrisitian tradition as the place where Jesus was born.


Text & Photos by Richard T. Nowitz
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Israel-s%20Archaeological%20Treasures%20-%20The%20Judean%20Foo

[Natasha]

Israel's Archaeological Treasures: The Judean Desert and the Negev

AERIAL VIEW OF JERICHO
This aerial view of Jericho shows the outlines of the ancient city. Jericho is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back over 10,000 years.


THE WALLS OF JERICHO
Jericho's ancient walls and ramparts, made famous by Joshua's trumpets, can be viewed as well as walked upon.


HISHAM PALACE,  JERICHO
The Caliph Hisham, of the Omayyad dynasty from Damascus built this luxurious winter palace in Jericho in 724 C.E. However, an earthquake destroyed it before he was able to live in it. This is an excellent example of ornate Islamic architecture.


HISHAM PALACE,  JERICHO -  MOSAIC
This exquisite mosaic floor showing a deer and a tree is located in the Hisham Palace, and survived the earthquake's destruction.


QUMRAN CAVES
Not far from Jericho are the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin shepherd looking for a lost goat in 1947. Many scholars consider the scrolls and other fragments one of the most significant Biblical archaeological discoveries of the century.


QUMRAN CAVES
The Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, were originally used by the Essenes, a messianic sect of Jews, who sought isolation in the desolation of the Judean Desert. The caves were used to store their parchment writings.


MASADA
Israel's most spectacular archaeological site. Masada towers 300 meters (980 ft.) over the shores of the Dead Sea. King Herod built a fortress-palace here in 73 C.E. Later, during the revolt against Rome, Jewish fighters committed suicide here, rather then becoming Roman slaves, thus establishing a modern Israeli legend.


HERODIUM
he Herodium, like Masada was one link in a chain of desert fortresses built by King Herod. It is located eight kilometers (5 miles) east of Bethlehem. The circular protective wall with four watch towers, encloses a palace, baths, a synagogue, and a banquet hall as big as a football stadium, all 800 meters (2600 feet) above sea level and 300 meters (980 feet) above the desert floor.


AVDAT - NABATEAN  CITY
The Nabateans, Arab nomads and Edomites, were farmers and traders. They lived in Transjordan with Petra as their capital. Avdat, the Negev's main Nabatean city, was built in 2nd century B.C.E. This oasis site includes burial caves, impressive buildings, a kiln and workshops. This important city lay on the spice route between Mediterranean Sea and Saudi Arabia.


ST. THEODORE'S  CHURCH,  AVDAT
Christianity was established as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century. As a result, many Byzantine churches were constructed in Israel. These columns catch the dawn's first light at Avdat's St. Theodore's Byzantine Church.


Text & Photos by Richard T. Nowitz
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Israel-s%20Archaeological%20Treasures%20-%20The%20Judean%20Foo

[Natasha]

Israel's Archaeological Treasures: The Mediterranean Coast

GODDESS OF VICTORY,  ASHKELON
This marble Greek Goddess of Victory was discovered in Ashkelon. Once a Philistine harbor city, Ashkelon is among the world's oldest cities. Lying along the Via Maris which linked ancient Egypt and Syria, the city was conquered by Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks and Romans.


ROMAN THEATRE,  CAESAREA
urther north along the Mediterranean coast we arrive at the Roman Port of Caesarea, where today Crusader ruins compete with this reconstructed Roman Theatre for archaeologists and tourists attention. In ancient times witnessing mass executions, now this arena is used for concerts during the summer Israel Festival.


ROMAN AQUEDUCT,  CAESAREA
Stretching north from Caesarea, this Roman aqueduct once flowed with fresh spring water from Mount Carmel.


ANCIENT PORT OF  ACCO
The ancient port of Acco, mentioned over 3500 years ago by Pharaoh Tutmoses III has seen many conquerors. Today its Crusader sea walls and battlements remain a testimony to its past.


Text & Photos by Richard T. Nowitz
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Israel-s%20Archaeological%20Treasures%20-%20The%20Judean%20Foo

[Natasha]

Israel's Archaeological Treasures: The Galilee and the Golan


BEIT SHEAN
Ancient Beit Shean, once a Roman city, has been extensively excavated to reveal public streets, bath houses, and theaters. Archaeologists claim that when excavations are completed, it will be one of the most impressive reconstructed Roman cities in the Middle East.


THE TYCHE MOSAIC,  BEIT  SHEAN
The Tyche Mosaic, located in a sixth century C.E. Byzantine room, was built into the ruins of a Roman odeom. Many mosaics and marble carvings were unearthed in Beit Shean and are exhibited in a nearby museum.


MEGIDDO
Megiddo, in the fertile Jezreel Valley, is according to the Bible, the site of Armageddon. Archaeologists have unearthed here layers of over 20 cities dating back 3500 years.


MEGIDDO'S  UNDERGROUND  WATER  SYSTEM
Megiddo's underground water system, was built by King Ahab some 2800 years ago to protect the city's water supply during sieges. Visitors can explore the damp corridors of this 118 meter (390 foot) water tunnel along with a 61 meter (200 foot) high shaft which served as the system's well.


HATZOR
Hatzor, the most important ancient town in northern Galilee, dates back about 18 centuries. The tel, a raised mound which has the layered remains of ancient cities, consists of an acropolis on the highest area, and a lower town. The treasures found here can be viewed in the Israel Museum, located in Jerusalem. Hatzor was the tel which James Mitchner used to fictionalize in his book The Source.


CAPERNAUM SYNAGOGUE
On the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the remains of the 2nd century C.E. Capernaum Synagogue, said to be built over the remains of the original one where Jesus preached sermons.


KORAZIN
At Korazin, a town where Jesus preached, the ruins of a 3rd4th C.E. century synagogue of black basalt stone have been uncovered.


BAR-AM SYNAGOGUE
The Bar-Am synagogue, on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, was built in 2nd- 3rd century C.E. The building faces south towards Jerusalem. According to legend the grave of Queen Esther is here, and Purim was celebrated by her graveside with the reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther).


BEIT SHEARIM
Beit Shearim, is a 2nd century C.E. necropolis. Inside the dark labyrinths, vaulted chambers are lined with engraved coffins and sarcophagi.


GAMLA
Gamla is referred to as the Masada of the North. Here in 67 C.E. the Roman Army conquered the mountain top town, killing 4000 inhabitants and causing another 5000 to commit
suicide by jumping to their deaths. Today, school children celebrate their Bar Mitzvah in this ancient synagogue.


BELVOIR FORTRESS
Belvoir Fortress, built by the Crusaders, offers a commanding view over the Jordan Valley.

Text & Photos by Richard T. Nowitz
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Israel-s%20Archaeological%20Treasures%20-%20The%20Judean%20Foo

[Natasha]

Israel's Archaeological Treasures: Jerusalem: The Eternal City


CITY OF DAVID
The City of David, where it is believed King David laid the foundations for the city of Jerusalem around 1000 B.C.E., is an important archaeological excavation site.


WARREN'S SHAFT
An early 19th century explorer, Charles Warren, discovered this underground well. Warren's Shaft can be visited on a tour of the City of David, and the steps of the ancient Jerusalemites can be retraced to the well.


CAVE OF ZEDEKIAH
The Cave of Zedekiah, which runs several city blocks under the Moslem Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, is where according to legend, King Solomon quarried the stone for the First Temple. On the roof of the cave a quarry stone is left suspended from the ceiling.


THE OPHEL
The extensive excavations of the south-east corner of the Temple Mount, the Ophel, was begun in 1968. The steps leading up to the Hulda Gate which opened into the courtyard of the Second Temple.


THE GARDEN TOMB
Believed by many to be the location of the garden of Joseph of Arimathea, outside the city walls, and the tomb where Jesus Christ was laid after crucifixion.


The Cardo, a Roman and Byzantine street, was discovered while foundations of an apartment building in the Jewish Quarter were being dug. The ancient street was converted into an archaeological garden and arcade of small shops.


FIRST TEMPLE CITY WALL
Continuing north along the Cardo, excavated Roman pillars are situated atop the remains from the First Temple Period City Wall which has been excavated to reveal its foundations.


THE BURNT HOUSE
The Burnt House is a time capsule of Second Temple Period Jerusalem. Its is believed to have been destroyed in the fires set by the Roman legions of Titus when Jerusalem was sacked in 70 C.E.


THE DOME OF THE  ROCK
The Dome of the Rock (Haram esh-Sharif) soars above a white rock where the great Jewish Holy Temple stood. The white rock is, according to Jewish tradition, the Stone of Foundation, the site of the Holy of Holies and the very center of the earth. Jews believe that on this spot Abraham offered to sacrifice his son Isaac, and Moslems believe that from here Mohammed rose to heaven on his horse.


THE WESTERN WALL
The Western Wall, is the only wall of the Temple Mount remaining after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. To pray here has been the dream of Jews throughout the centuries. The Wall is 15 meters (50 feet) high and most of its stones were placed here during the reign of King Herod.

Text & Photos by Richard T. Nowitz
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Israel-s%20Archaeological%20Treasures%20-%20The%20Judean%20Foo