Sunday February 12, 2006

I've Been Thinking

Archeology is a national pastime for Israelis.
Historical finds are front page news stories in Israel.
It is as if the nation proclaims its right to exist through historical facts on the ground.

Before any building takes place in Israel, a highway a hotel or even a swimming pool, a salvage dig is required to ascertain that no great historical find will be destroyed in the process.

Just recently, while constructing a highway near the ancient Philistine city of Gat, a remarkable, 6000 year old archeological site was unearthed. The site was filled with pottery, sculpture, jewelry, icons. Everything was in mint condition.

What's my point?
Sometimes, we loose track of the fact that amidst the drama and conflict surrounding contemporary Israel a tremendous ancient history lies buried.