Arabic Gold Coins Uncovered

Two teenage students from the lower Galilee who were participating in an Israel Antiquities Authority dig in nearby Kfar Kama found some ancient coins. Included in the find was a 1,200-year-old gold coin inscribed in Arabic and mentioning the name of Muhammad and monotheism. The rare find shows that the people who lived at the

Jerusalem’s Third Wall

Fascinating evidence of the breaching of the third wall that surrounded Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period was uncovered last winter in the Russian Compound in the city center. Archaeologists discovered the remains of a tower jutting from the city wall. Opposite the tower’s western facade were scores of ballista and sling

Fisherman’s House Discovered

Young residents of the city of Ashkelon and the surrounding area were given a project by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to assist in archaeological excavations in the city. The youngsters uncovered some buildings that were originally used as a fisherman’s house and a lookout tower, possibly a lighthouse, dating to the Ottoman period around

Africa and Israel: a Match Made in Heaven?

In times past, Africa was known as the “dark continent,” a mysterious, romantic place filled with tribal cultures, exotic wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It was a destination for Christian missionaries as well as those who dreamed of the adventure of the big-game safari. For many decades, however, violence and turmoil reigned throughout much of

Multiple Choice Alternative Answers to the Two-State “Solution”

Twenty-three years have passed since the signing of the Oslo Accords, which heralded an official and public Israel–Palestinian effort to reach peace via the so-called “two-state solution.” Israel was to surrender land taken from Jordan and Egypt in the 1967 war to the Palestinians for their state, in exchange for which the Palestinians would stop

The Season of Miracles

Jews around world will soon be recounting the miraculous story of Hanukkah. The actual miracle of Hanukkah, however, depends on which historical source you consult. The extra-biblical Books of the Maccabees opt for the miracle of the military victory over the Seleucid Empire. Yet the Talmud (rabbinic commentary) relates another miracle. When the Temple was

Meet Israel’s Oldest Journalist: the Walter Bingham Story

Walter Bingham’s Jerusalem flat is filled with the physical memories of an extraordinary life. The souvenirs offer glimpses of the events, people and places that have formed his 92 years: faded photographs of long-lost family and friends, brittle telegrams signed by generals whose names resound in modern history, yellowed newspaper clippings proclaiming landmark events of

Who Leads the Palestinian People?

The region called the Middle East is known for many things: oceans of oil hidden beneath vast plains of burning sand, camels, the Arab Spring and calls to prayer. Yet conspicuously absent from the list of distinguishing features is a line item called “flourishing democracies.” The reason for the omission is obvious. Apart from

If Walls Could Speak

We often want to know what has happened in a particular place. Jerusalem is an ancient city and its walls could tell a myriad of stories. Let’s visit three specific locations that have seen their share of modern-day Jerusalem’s history. American Colony Hotel What connection does the famous hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”

Shedding Light on the Philistines

The Leon Levy expedition in Ashkelon reported the first Philistine cemetery ever discovered anywhere in the world. Archaeologists and scholars have long searched for the origin of the Philistines, and the discovery of the cemetery is poised to offer the key to this mystery. Findings from the cemetery, dated to the 11th–8th centuries BC, may

Decorated Hanukkah Cookies

Ingredients: ½ c. unsalted butter, softened 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese ½ c. granulated sugar ¼ c. honey 1 egg ½ tsp. vanilla extract 2½ c. all-purpose flour 1/3 c. finely ground walnuts 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt Assorted colored icings, sprinkles and colored sugars Instructions: Beat

Elusive Peace in the Middle East

Addressing the UN General Assembly “Given its history of hostility towards Israel, does anyone really believe that Israel will let the UN determine our security and our vital national interests? We will not accept any attempt by the UN to dictate terms to Israel. The road to peace runs through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not through

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