Member of Knesset Sharren Haskel (Likud) has been visiting Hebron on
an almost monthly basis, bringing with her a cadre of Likud activists. One of
the newest and youngest member of Knesset, Haskel grew up in Kfar Saba, which she
describes as a Labor party stronghold. But attending college in Australia gave her a
different perspective on Israel and the Middle East.
an almost monthly basis, bringing with her a cadre of Likud activists. One of
the newest and youngest member of Knesset, Haskel grew up in Kfar Saba, which she
describes as a Labor party stronghold. But attending college in Australia gave her a
different perspective on Israel and the Middle East.
In March, MK Haskel again visited Hebron was guided by local residents such
as former MK Orit Struck, CEO of the Jewish Community of Hebron Uri Karzen,
and spokesperson Noam Arnon.
as former MK Orit Struck, CEO of the Jewish Community of Hebron Uri Karzen,
and spokesperson Noam Arnon.
The tour began at the newly excavated archaeological site in the Tel Hevron
/ Admot Ishai neighborhood which was conducted in 2014 by the Israel
Antiquities Authority and Ariel University.
/ Admot Ishai neighborhood which was conducted in 2014 by the Israel
Antiquities Authority and Ariel University.
The excavations revealed Jewish life in Hebron dating back to the second
Temple period, from which there has been no known prior research. Two impressive
and elegant mikvot [ritual baths] were discovered, evidence that the residents
believed in maintaining the laws of ritual purity.
Temple period, from which there has been no known prior research. Two impressive
and elegant mikvot [ritual baths] were discovered, evidence that the residents
believed in maintaining the laws of ritual purity.
Facilities next to the ritual baths were discovered for the manufacturing of wine, oil
and pottery, which attests to agricultural products being produced on an industrial
scale.
The proximity of the mikvot next to the wine presses gives reasonable evidence that the
wine was sent to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hebron has been known since antiquity for
its superior soil and weather conditions for grape harvesting.
(Photo: Ancient mikvah in Hebron discovered near wine
presses.)
The archaeological site has not yet been opened to visitors, and the Jewish
Community of Hebron expects relevant government agencies to eventually develop
the area.
Community of Hebron expects relevant government agencies to eventually develop
the area.
A surprise also greeted the tour group as they saw large and impressive olive
trees along with flowers in full bloom and lush green spaces. However, along with the
natural beauty, the delegation lamented the heaps of garbage that had been dumped in
piles by local PA residents.
trees along with flowers in full bloom and lush green spaces. However, along with the
natural beauty, the delegation lamented the heaps of garbage that had been dumped in
piles by local PA residents.
The delegation visited the Jewish history museum at the Beit Hadassah building, Israel’s
first Hadassah hospital, and watched the new 4D documentary film “Touching
Eternity“.
first Hadassah hospital, and watched the new 4D documentary film “Touching
Eternity“.
One of the visitors commented, “we learned that Hebron is completely
different than we thought. We walked here safely and peacefully. We saw interesting
sights and wonderful people — a large Jewish community full of content and
meaning.”
different than we thought. We walked here safely and peacefully. We saw interesting
sights and wonderful people — a large Jewish community full of content and
meaning.”
MK Haskel emphasized the significance of the Hebron community stating, “when
you come here, you become open to a world that many in the country do not know about.
Our history began here. These buildings where the Jewish community lives have been here
for hundreds of years. Looking at old black-and-white photos is not the same as actually
being here.”
you come here, you become open to a world that many in the country do not know about.
Our history began here. These buildings where the Jewish community lives have been here
for hundreds of years. Looking at old black-and-white photos is not the same as actually
being here.”
“We who grew up in the Tel Aviv region, Kfar Saba, and other cities,
sometimes forget that life here in Israel has an historic link which goes beyond
religion. It is a historical and cultural connection which unites us as a people. And to
come here and see it, is something special. The fact that we have the ability to see it
and feel it, is thanks to the residents who actually live here.”
sometimes forget that life here in Israel has an historic link which goes beyond
religion. It is a historical and cultural connection which unites us as a people. And to
come here and see it, is something special. The fact that we have the ability to see it
and feel it, is thanks to the residents who actually live here.”
“No matter how much we do in the Knesset, it cannot surpass by what do
you. You have invested your lives, your families and your livelihoods in this city so
that it is more then just a museum, but a real community, so that the rest of us can
come visit for just a few hours. You are fighting every day for our history and our
heritage. I have a very great appreciation for it.”
you. You have invested your lives, your families and your livelihoods in this city so
that it is more then just a museum, but a real community, so that the rest of us can
come visit for just a few hours. You are fighting every day for our history and our
heritage. I have a very great appreciation for it.”
To visit Hebron:
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
In Israel contact the offices of the Jewish Community of Hebron at:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
* MK David Bitan Praises Jewish
Community on Visit to Hebron
* Knesset Minister Visits Hebron
to Plant Memorial Garden, Vows “Roots Will Grow”
* Tel Hebron Archeological Park and
Admot Ishay Neighborhood
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
In Israel contact the offices of the Jewish Community of Hebron at:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
* MK David Bitan Praises Jewish
Community on Visit to Hebron
* Knesset Minister Visits Hebron
to Plant Memorial Garden, Vows “Roots Will Grow”
* Tel Hebron Archeological Park and
Admot Ishay Neighborhood
