Arabs living under the Palestinian Authority’s rule have completed the takeover of a compound at the "Hasmonean Palaces" archaeological site that includes an ancient Jewish cemetary, in the Judean desert, as the illegal construction of two luxury villas and a huge hall adjacent to the archaeological site has recently been completed.
Read more: Palestinians Illegally Building On Top Of Herod's Palace & Hasmonean Graves
At the end of a secret and complex operation, the Israeli Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria arrested three Arab antiquities dealers in the Samaria region and confiscated rare archaeological finds, some of which were thousands of years old worth hundreds of thousands of shekels; many of which visibly depicted Jewish heritage and served as a reminder of the deep-rooted Jewish connection to the region.
Read more: Raid Uncovers Hundreds Of Stolen Jewish Antiquities In Palestine
After three years in which it was closed for work and renovations, the Davidson Center in the Archaeological Garden in Jerusalem's Old City at the foot of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount is opening its doors to visitors again; revealing for the first time ancient archaeological findings alongside innovative technology and various additional measures.
Read more: Davidson Center To Reopen Near Temple Mount With Newly Found Jewish Artifacts
An important and rare inscription, bearing the name of the Persian King Darius I, the father of Ahasuerus known from the book of Esther, was discovered by travelers in Tel Lachish National Park, just ahead of the Jewish holiday known as Purim when the book of Esther is read, and the people celebrate being saved from certain destruction at the hands of a Persian nobleman.
Read more: 2400 Year-Old Pottery That Links The Story Of Purim To Israel Found
As part of a joint project of the Israeli Ministry of Heritage, the Antiquities Authority, and the local and regional government centers, the thousands of ancient buildings and artifacts near residential areas throughout Israel will become accessible to the public through urban parks that will be developed around them.
Read more: Israel To Turn Urban-Based Archaeological Sites Into Parks For Local Residents
