In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, we chose to share with you some interesting things that happened at our tourist sites in the past year:
At the Farm in the Valley – we continued the tradition of celebrating at the farm during the holidays, and hosted thousands of families who came to enjoy, spend time and learn about agriculture in ancient times.
In addition, this year we started the tradition of Shabbat services every Friday. The combination of the green landscape and the sunset on Friday, with the pleasant tunes creates a special magic. You are welcome to visit and experience it for yourself.
We collaborated with Zappa in a series of intimate special performances, by top Israeli artists! Ivri Lider, Yuval Dayan, The Revivo Project and other artists have already visited, and some very big surprises are planned.
This year – Hallelujah! Our night show is lighting up again, with a combination of spectacular pyrotechnics, that include bursts of fire and jets of water emerging from the ruins, upgrading the beloved well-known show into a powerful and impressive experience. Over 18,000 visitors have already watched the new show.
In addition – our tour of the Biblical City of David Siloam Tunnel was updated with a special presentation projected right before entering the tunnel. The presentation is projected in a special space where the walls are lined with mirrors, and is displayed from several projectors that show different pieces of the video in perfect coordination. The viewers enjoy a special experience as the video “wraps” around them from different directions.
We continue to work vigorously to make the City of David sites. which are located in areas of active excavations, accessible. After creating an accessible tour of the City of David for people with cognitive disabilities, this year we made the Archaeological Experience site in Emek Zurim National Park accessible. At the campsite too, a special fully accessible area will be opened. You can read more information about our work towards accessibility on our website.
In the field of archaeological digs, this year we uncovered several particularly fascinating finds: a special seashell brought from far away and jugs of wine seasoned with vanilla were just the opening shot before a rare and particularly exciting find – the Jerusalem ivories, which were presented as part of the Maagalim Institute’s City of David research conference held this month.
Each of the findings separately and all of them together testify to the great wealth of the residents of Jerusalem in ancient times, giving us a new perspective.
Digging along the Pilgrimage road continues, and in the last year alone we have excavated 3,380 tons of archaeological debris – equivalent to the weight of 676 African elephants!
Small celebrations – are a big deal! This year we had the opportunity to host about 9,000 participants in Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and wedding celebrations at the various City of David sites, and the celebrants were able to incorporate into their events some of the special ancient Jerusalem magic.
In honor of Jerusalem Day, we cooperated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and broadcasted a live tour to the world – from the place where Jerusalem was born.
On Tisha B’Av, we had the privilege of hosting Tal Ohana, the head of the Yeruham Regional Council, and Professor Yuval Albashan, as part of the “Broken Rocks” event. During the year, the Maagalim Institute lectures reached various communities around the country, and we had the privilege of appearing in front of about 6,000 people.
We wish our visitors and all of Israel a Happy and Sweet New Year – Shanah Tovah Umetuka – and we look forward to meeting you over Sukkot and throughout the whole year.
