An Israeli Nobel Prize
December 2011
Prof. Dan Shechtman was awarded the Nobel prize in Chemistry for his discovery of patterns in atoms called quasicrystals, a chemical structure that researchers previously thought was impossible. This makes him the 6th Israeli in the last 9 years to be awarded a Nobel Prize.
The Gospel Trail
November 2011
A remarkable new walking trail was completed these days, tracing the path from Nazareth all the way to the Sea of Galilee; you can now discover the biblical landscape and sites where Jesus and His disciples once walked.
Dead Sea Scrolls go digital
September 2011
Some 2,000 years after they were first written with ink on goatskin, and more than 60 years after their discovery, the Dead Sea Scrolls have gone digital, courtesy of the Israel Museum and Google: http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/ featuring high-resolution images of the five complete scrolls as well as an English translation.
Jerusalem Light Rail starts running
August 2011
After years of construction the first light rail line began operating in Jerusalem. The line is 8.6miles long and offers rapid transit from the north of town, pass the Old City and through the center of town towards the west of the Jerusalem, connecting history and modern life in this timeless city.
The Light of Jerusalem Festival
June 2011
The third Festival of Light is taking place in the Old City of Jerusalem. The festival includes ten international artists who use light in order to create statues, installations, performances and artwork, alongside other dozens of performances, tours, artists, sites and more. The festival is expected to bring over 250,000 visitors from all over the world, and light the nights of Jerusalem in a new way.
Pilgrims Route to the Temple Mount Discovered
June 2011
At the City of David an impressive road that once connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount has been revealed, including the remains of shops and businesses that lined along it. Also uncovered was a drainage channel that matches Josephus’ description of a tunnel beneath the Siloam in which the last Jewish rebels hid.
Opera Events Take Place at Massada
June 2011
Over 35,000 people came to see Aida Opera preformed by the Israeli Opera, at the footsteps of Massada this summer. Following the success of the 2011 events Carmen Opera is scheduled to arrive at Massada at 2012.
Traditional Baptismal Site now open
April 2011
Qasr Al-Yahud, located across from Jericho, is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3) and from which place he began His ministry. After being closed for years, it can now be visited again. Seated in one of the narrowest areas of the Jordan River and un-touched by modernity, it truly takes us back to biblical days.
The Renewed Israel Museum Opens to the Public
July 2010
After three years of works and 80 million Dollars invested, the renewed Israel Museum in Jerusalem is reopening to the public. Besides the modern display and the updated technology, some 20,000 square meters of exhibition area have been added to the museum allowing a display of many archeological and art items never seen before.
Increase in Tourism to Israel
June 2010
2.7 million Tourists visited Israel in 2009; Out of these, 616,565 were Americans, 14% more than in the previous year. The increase continues as in January - May of 2010 1.3 tourists have already visited Israel; 41.7% more than in the previous year, and almost as many as in 2008, which was the record year. The data indicates we should expect a continuation in the increase of incoming tourists to Israel throughout the year.
First Jesus-era house found in Nazareth
December 2009
Archaeologists say they unearthed remains of the first dwelling in Nazareth that dates to Jesus' era, a simple structure of two rooms and a courtyard. The team found remains of a wall and a system that appeared to collect water from the roof. Based on clay and chalk shards, the dwelling appeared to house a "simple Jewish family". Jews used chalk vessels to ensure the ritual purity of the food and water kept in them.
Herod The Great's Tomb Found in Herodion
May 2007
Archeologists from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem announced today (May 8th) that they have uncovered Herod’s tomb at the Herodion (near Bethlehem). This puts to an end a debate of over 30 years regarding the burial place of Herod the Great.
Wedding at Cana of Galilee
June 2006
Why settle for an ordinary wedding? Douglas and Jacqueline Wilson decided to have their wedding ceremony at the old church in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus preformed His miracle. Douglas proposed to Jacqueline only 4 days before they left for their Holy Land tour, lead by Ruth Snyder. It was just enough to get everything ready on time. What a memorable experience for everyone on the group!