ENORMOUS 3,700 YEAR OLD FORTIFICATION EXPOSED IN THE CITY OF DAVID

ENORMOUS 3,700 YEAR OLD FORTIFICATION
EXPOSED IN THE CITY OF DAVID

A huge fortification more than 3,700 years old, which is ascribed to the Canaanites (Middle Bronze Age 2), was uncovered in archaeological excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is currently conducting in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park in the City of David, with funding provided by the Ir David Foundation.

According to the excavation directors, Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa and Eli Shukron on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, this is the first discovery in Jerusalem of such a massive construction that predates the Herodian period: “This is the most massive wall that has ever been uncovered in the City of David, and it rises to a height of 8 meters. The walls appear to be a protected, well-fortified passage that descends to the spring tower from some sort of fortress that stood at the top of the hill. The construction of a protected passage such as this is a plausible solution that explains the innate contradiction of the situation whereby the spring – which is a source of life from the standpoint of the fortress’ inhabitants in time of emergency – is located in the weakest and most vulnerable place in the area.”

During this period Jerusalem and the fields around it were an independent political entity with self-rule, similar to its neighbors Shechem to the north and Jericho to the east. Massive walls resembling the one that was just exposed in Jerusalem are known from Canaanite Hebron (Tel Rumeida), Shechem (Tell Balata) and Gezer.

The known section of the fortification is 24 meters long; however, it is thought the fortification is much longer because it continues west beyond the part that was exposed, at the top of the hillside. Professor Reich adds, “The new discovery shows that the picture regarding Jerusalem’s eastern defenses and the ancient water system in the Middle Bronze Age 2 is still far from clear. Despite the fact that so many have excavated on this hill, there is a very good chance that extremely large and well-preserved architectural elements are still hidden in it and waiting to be uncovered”.

Divers Worldwide Choose the FISH OF THE YEAR of Epson Red Sea 2009

Divers Worldwide Choose the FISH OF THE YEAR of Epson Red Sea 2009
While other competitions around the world are busy with announcing the annual beauty queen, the leading racing car or the most popular pop star, Epson Red Sea 2009 is proud to introduce the Fish of the Year.
On November 1 st , 8 days before the Epson Red Sea 2009 competition begins, divers worldwide will be voting for the Fish of the Year of Epson Red Sea 2009 on the competition website. 5 fish will be introduced on the website as nominees, along with professional credentials delivered by an expert team that consists of 5 marine biology professors, each representing a different fish-nominee. All divers will be invited to vote for the fish that they find as the most entitled for the title Fish of the Year .

During the 3 days of the Epson Red Sea 2009 competition, the fish that was elected as the Fish of the Year will serve as a “case study” for all photographers participating in the “Winning & Donating” category, representing different websites and magazines from all over the world. The winner will be the one who submits the most creative, original, professional and diverse portfolio of the Fish of the Year .
Stay tuned with the Epson Red Sea website to find out more about the election of the Fish of the Year!
Epson Red Sea 2009 - Registration is Now Open
Registration to the Epson Red Sea 2009 Competition, which will take place in Eilat , Israel , is now open.
You are invited to start by choosing your best photos and submitting them to the Images of the World category by Clicking Here . Note that images can be submitted to this category only till October 15th , so hurry up!



Using the same entry form, register to the Eilat Shoot-Out competition category, which takes place in Eilat on November 9-14. Categories were specially created for professional underwater stills photographers, underwater videographers, amateurs and more. Join us for an unforgettable week of adventures, including valuable prizes for the winners.

For further information, competitions rules, prizes, accommodation and dive packages, please contact us at mailto:yam@diveisrael.co.ilor visit our website >>> http://www.eilatredsea.com/
David PilosofEpson Red Sea 2009

PRESS RELEASE
ISRAEL CELEBRATES SUKKOT WITH WEEKLONG SCHEDULE OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS, OCTOBER 2-10
New York - September 29, 2009: Israel will celebrate the weeklong festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) with a special array of music, film and cultural events, October 2-10.The festivals include:
25th Haifa International Film Festival (October 3-10): Tourists visiting northern Israel will view 280 films from more than 40 countries, including a special presentation of Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102728761914&s=30732&e=001qeLSse_KoneddjUcFrn372aFLFcJN_vFtOxwQw9nog9JLtRp3V3Inifj7Yjv3-iQ-6stoMqsL7jE8Pc_BFwqdumLvyrfGEMLH1TeWF2NFIQ=)
Herzliya Biennial (October 3-10): A week-long contemporary art exhibition featuring live music performances and fireworks every evening (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102728761914&s=30732&e=001qeLSse_KoneNnta_e_hercffRxLus9EVjrEIBqfM_SF98s_a4Vmy_jXhTKN3D3Vd94FLT7XHSrl4XnEz0VSnmgiujqGWTt36zE8KT5p7W1C0su_r181IuDuD0cZFEm7f)
Tamar Music Festival (October 4-8): A celebratory gathering of Israeli and international musicians, including Rita, Ehud Banai and Eyal Golan and members of the legendary Wailers, as well as two sunrise concerts overlooking Mt. Masada
30th Acco Fringe Theater Festival (October 4-8): Presenting 450 street and outdoor theater performances from Israeli and international artists (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102728761914&s=30732&e=001qeLSse_KonekryfURPuPuOmmwq4pPW-kfTDx5LJSiC3brRF0AOv26x9eljpwxebxdv8RUtdpAmYg78fo6AvjlC3zLRZSW-icg0RoxP8Cb4s9pDpkdsyRdw==)
Kite-Flying Festival (October 5-6): A special kite-flying exhibition overlooking the Crusader and Roman ruins at Apollonia on the cliffs north of Herzliya
17th Renaissance Festival (October 5-7): Taking travelers back in time with knights, court jesters and ethnic music at the Yehiam Fortress in the Western Galilee
Jerusalem March (October 6): The traditional 3-, 6-, or 12-mile run in celebration of the Christian Festival of Tabernacles
The 35th Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival (October 6-10): One of Israel's most highly anticipated music festivals showcasing thousands of classical and vocal music concerts in the churches and crypts around the hillside village (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102728761914&s=30732&e=001qeLSse_KoncsKdcQplI5MbQ9OOm1ZimzrSHp0sjFtVJ_o2QyFuqSTXF6yw_pO52Cj-JPmtpSA8aoTLAYuoIVog2KoEitQ52M9p90YsDcuXD5WCPDMTZVjA==)
Rishon LeZion Festival (October 7-8): A unique concert series featuring performances by Israeli artist Shlomi Shabat and Mati Caspi with the Israel Philharmonic OrchestraAlso, the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority will host three festivals throughout Sukkot, including the Magic Sword at Apollonia near Herzliya, a games festival at Ashkelon National Park and a juggling and magic festival at Ein Hemed near Jerusalem, October 5-8. For more information, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102728761914&s=30732&e=001qeLSse_KonchaaU00cKXVqFpK3Jf6HsWw8933LehINRlIOaoGOrKZx5O0QXJDaGhoVp101jHzXdZYsf5k5ToLwsjCpMCSz4tAJOdSDUBngNez5tKUM6OOA==.
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Media contacts:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of TourismE-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL Tel: 212-499-5647Joe Diaz Julie Cooper Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest RegionE-mail: joediaz@imot.org E-mail: juliec@imot.orgTel: 404-541-2770 Tel: 312-803-7077Dan ManorIsrael Ministry of Tourism - Western RegionE-mail: danm@imot.orgTel: 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA New York ◦ Director: Michal Itzik◦ 212-499-5651Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770Chicago ◦ Director: Uri Steinberg ◦ 312-803-7080Los Angeles ◦ Director: Eliezer Hod ◦ 323-658-7463Canada ◦ Director: Oded Grofman ◦ 416-964-3784
Geoffrey Weill AssociatesInformational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the Department of Justice

THE 30th ACCO FRINGE THEATER FESTIVAL

THE 30th ACCO FRINGE THEATER FESTIVAL
4-8 OCTOBER 2009

The 30th Acco Fringe Theater Festival will take place among the crusader castles and beachfront promenades of the old city from October 4-8, 2009, featuring special performances of original, avant-garde fringe theater from Israel and around the world. The five day festival will include 450 performances by 72 artists from around the world; a competition, ceremonies in honor of the 30th anniversary, special premieres, guest performances, street theater and outdoor events.

The festival will open with Israeli singer Ahinoam Nini performing many of her hit songs, singing together with Arab singer and co-Eurovision competitor Mira Awad (4 October, 20:00).

Ten productions (selected from 160 applications) will premiere as contestants in the competition, including Whispering Alleys, a theatrical story that takes place while walking through the alleyways of Acco and Metuko's House, a surrealist work that includes poetry, clowns and physical theater in the best tradition of the Hulgab Ethiopian theater.

The new western promenade to the city, overlooking the Mediterranean, will serve as the entrance to the festival, featuring street theater and outdoor productions from around the world, including European artists. A total of fifteen international theatrical productions feature works from 10 countries – including Japan, the Czech Republic, Russia, the United States, Italy, Australia and Poland. These performances include mime theater from Teatro Pantomissimo (Czech Republic); The Vengeance Cell (Japan), a work about evil; Project Acco, a co-production of the Acco Fringe Theater Festival 2009 and the new Acco center for culture, youth and sports, created with Jewish and Arab Israeli artists together with artists from France, Lebanon, Iran and England and Teatro Pavana (The Netherlands), street theater with professional stilt-walkers in the commedia dell'arte style. , will perform two surprising and interactive stilt parades as outdoor events: "The Antelopes" and "Giraffes".

The festival will also include, among other special events, a photography exhibition Children Making Faces about children in Acco from 40 years ago; an ethnic musical and cultural area; an authentic Arab cooking workshop; a spectacular light show and messianic hip-hop performances.

Free guided tours of the Old City of Acco will leave at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 from the Tourist Parking Area beside the box office (minimum of 20 per tour).

Further details on the festival (in English): http://www.accofestival.co.il/

"Treasures Of The Sea 3"

"Treasures Of The Sea 3"



Beginning on October 8th through October 10th, between the hours of 10:00am - 16:00pm a unique exhibition will take place displaying all the underwater photos of the Award winning photographer Noam Kortler.

The display will take place for the 3rd time at the Coral Beach of Eilat, Israel.
It is open to all - snorkelers and divers, starting at a depth of 2 meters and going down to 5 meters.

20 different photos will be put in the water surrounding the natural coral reef of Eilat daily.

On Oct. 8th, in the evening, there will be a cocktail party which is the official opening, with the Mayor of Eilat. There you will have the opportunity to view all the photos above the water, drink beer and have a good time mingling with other divers.

Free entrance to all.

The exhibition is sponsored by:
HP
SEACAM
SEPA
NEMO DIVERS
MANTA dive center
Isrotel Yam Suf Hotel
The city of Eilat

ISRAEL AT SUCCOT

21 September 2009
ISRAEL AT SUCCOT
A FEAST OF FESTIVALS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

The week long festival of Succot, or the Feast of Tabernacles (2-10 October 2009), is marked in Israel by special events, festivals and happenings for tourists and locals alike. The festive atmosphere begins with succa fairs in most cities, selling the four species and succa decorations. Succot or temporary booths can be seen in gardens, sidewalks, balconies and restaurants.

For tourists visiting the North of Israel, there are also festivals of note. 280 movies from over 40 countries will be screened at the 25th Haifa International Film Festival (www.haifaff.co.il) from 3-10 October which will open with Ang Lee's new movie Taking Woodstock. The festival includes outdoor performances and an arts and crafts fair. The 30th Acco Fringe Theater Festival includes 452 performances from Israeli and international artistes, as well as street theater and outdoor events (www.accofestival.co.il). Yehiam Fortress in the Western Galilee is the stage for the 17th Renaissance Festival, complete with knights, court jesters, tours and ethnic music (5-7 Oct).

Jerusalem will host the traditional Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall and the colorful 5, 10 or 20 km Jerusalem March (6 Oct) with thousands of Israelis and Christians from all over the world celebrating the Christian Festival of Tabernacles. The 35th Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival (6-10 Oct) attracts thousands of music fans, who enjoy first class concerts in the churches and crypts of this hillside village outside the capital (www.agfestival.co.il). This year’s Rishon LeZion Festival will feature concerts by Israeli artist Shlomi Shabat (7.10.09); Mati Caspi accompanied by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (8.10.09) and free outdoor concerts in various locations in the city. The second Herzliya Biennial will feature a week of contemporary art exhibitions, live performances and fireworks every evening from 3-10 October (www.herzliya-biennial.com) . The annual Kite-flying Festival will take place among the Crusader and Roman ruins at Apollonia on the cliffs north of Herzliya (5-6 October)

The Dead Sea region will come alive during Succot with the Tamar Music Festival (4-8 Oct) hosting concerts with top Israeli stars such as Rita, Ehud Banai and Eyal Golan, as well as guest stars from the Jamaican group The Wailers (the former band playing with Bob Marley) and two sunrise concerts at Masada. The Nabatean Market comes to the Mamshit National Park south of Beer Sheva for the 11th consecutive year (3-8 Oct), including a moonlit night time event. Eilat will host a photography exhibition 4 meters underwater in the Red Sea (8-10 Oct).

A host of outdoor activities, hiking, tours and special events are organized by KKL-JNF (www.kkl.org.il) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (972 3 6388688). The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority (tel: *3639) is organizing three festivals – the Magic Sword at Apollonia near Herzliya, a games festival at Ashkelon National Park and juggling and magic at Ein Hemed near Jerusalem (as well as Jewish soul music, including Meir and Evyatar Banai and Amir Benayoun at Ein Hemed from 5-8 Oct in the evening).

The festivities end on the evening of 10 October with street celebrations in most Israeli cities, as religious and non-religious dance with the Torah scrolls, often to the accompaniment of live music, an act of solidarity with Jews in the Diaspora who celebrate the festival of Simchat Torah that evening.

SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD STEPPED STREET

23 September 2009

SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD STEPPED STREET
DISCOVERED IN CITY OF DAVID EXCAVATION
2000 Years Ago, Pilgrims Began Their Trek to the Temple Mount From Here

A section of a stepped street dating from the Second Temple period (50 BCE-100 CE) paved in stone slabs and going south in the direction of the Shiloach Pool was discovered in excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Shiloach Pool Excavation at the City of David in the Jerusalem Walls National Park.

The road was first discovered between 1894 and 1897 by Prof. Frederick J. Bliss and Archibald C. Dickey of the British Palestine Exploration Fund, and then covered and filled in at the end of their excavation. Other sections of this same road, to the north, have been excavated and covered over in the past, including during the excavations of Jones in 1937 and Kathleen Kenyon from 1961-1967.

This section of the stepped street was discovered at a distance of 550 meters south of the Temple Mount. The road represents the central thoroughfare of Jerusalem that ascended from the north-west corner of the Second Temple Shiloach Pool to the north.

According to excavation director Prof. Ronny Reich of Haifa University: "In the Second Temple Period, pilgrims would begin the ascent to the Temple from here. This is the southernmost tip of the road, of which a section has already been discovered along the western face of the Temple Mount."

The current excavation has been concentrated in a very narrow strip (1-2 meters in width) in the western sections of the road. Essentially, the excavation work removed the earth that had been filled in by previous excavators over the sections they already discovered. This section of road is built in the Second Temple style, which comprises alternating wide and narrow steps.

Further work must be done to clarify what the relationship was between the current excavated section and the section of the road and the drainage channel that were discovered nearby two years ago.

The excavations are conducted in cooperation with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, funded by the Elad Foundation, under the auspices of Prof. Ronny Reich of Haifa University and Eli Shukron of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

BIRD WATCHERS FLOCK TO ISRAEL FOR 4TH EILAT SPRING MIGRATION FESTIVAL, MARCH 18-25, 2010

BIRD WATCHERS FLOCK TO ISRAEL FOR 4TH EILAT SPRING MIGRATION FESTIVAL, MARCH 18-25, 2010
New York - September 17, 2009: Hundreds of birdwatchers from all over the world will flock to the Israeli resort town of Eilat to take part in the 4th Eilat Spring Migration Festival, March 18-25, 2010. Israel's location on the only land bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa makes it uniquely suited as a prime bird-watching site from which to view the flights of a large variety of migratory birds. Travelers to the festival will witness the migration of more than 500 million birds, including rare raptors, pelicans and cranes."The Eilat Spring Migration Festival is a special event that attracts nature lovers to one of the world's prime bird-watching locations in the south of Israel," says Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner, North and South America. "The combination of the spring bird migratory spectacle in the beautiful resort town of Eilat will make for a truly special experience. The week-long festival will also feature day and night birding tours and workshops. The festival will include an opening banquet and evening activities at the Isrotel Agamim Hotel.For more information, visit www.eilatbirdsfestival.com. For more information about travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com.
`
Media contacts:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of TourismE-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL Tel: 212-499-5647Joe Diaz Julie Cooper Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest RegionE-mail: joediaz@imot.org E-mail: juliec@imot.orgTel: 404-541-2770 Tel: 312-803-7077Dan ManorIsrael Ministry of Tourism - Western RegionE-mail: danm@imot.orgTel: 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA New York ◦ Director: Michal Itzik◦ 212-499-5651Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770Chicago ◦ Director: Uri Steinberg ◦ 312-803-7080Los Angeles ◦ Marketing Director: Hezi Shely ◦ 323-658-7463Canada ◦ Director: Oded Grofman ◦ 416-964-3784
Geoffrey Weill AssociatesInformational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the Department of Justice

PRESS RELEASE
CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS TRAVEL TO ISRAEL FOR 36TH ABU GHOSH MUSIC FESTIVAL, OCTOBER 6-10
New York - September 16, 2009: Travelers to Israel this autumn will experience five days of classical music at the 36th Abu Ghosh Music Festival in the picturesque village of Abu Ghosh near Jerusalem, October 6-10.Taking place during the holiday of Succot, the festival will feature Maestro Frieder Bernius conducting the Stuttgart Chamber Choir, as well as 16 original music productions. Performances showcasing the work of Vivaldi, Bach, Theodorakis, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Verdi and Marcello will take place in four different venues around the village. Also, musicians from Spain, including bass-baritone Luis Alberto Fernandez-Llaneza, and soloists from Israel will perform."The 36th Abu Ghosh Music Festival is an exciting event that attracts some of the world's top classical musicians to Israel," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "The festival's unique setting in both indoor and outdoor venues around the beautiful town of Abu Ghosh will make for a truly special event."The festival will include a unique vocal experience incorporating the audience as a choir in a sing-along performance in the Kiryat Tearmin Church. Concerts will also take place in the church's crypt and gardens. For more information, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102697457584&s=30732&e=001yO4y1JQ8rQtrw5vpqyTC2uKCFai4M1QEoC1wGGVA5fyUzIL9-q5m3F4UOzeu6LIK89iKtX_7IsUzp5cLrwD-XB7rR4yDedPdOO3cKlj7oXNHGsObAbHQig==. For more information about travel to Israel, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102697457584&s=30732&e=001yO4y1JQ8rQvFm9FG_GyrckoADqn5TLQ43QQ04EvEIcCtpBy05QkGxVw_PC40m8Rxh_qbQh1fb6WO9iZ5cF3zf1TNPNCCr0ubqM5iQR_a5Kh2HudHA40Yyg==.
`
Media contacts:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of TourismE-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL Tel: 212-499-5647Joe Diaz Julie Cooper Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest RegionE-mail: joediaz@imot.org E-mail: juliec@imot.orgTel: 404-541-2770 Tel: 312-803-7077Dan ManorIsrael Ministry of Tourism - Western RegionE-mail: danm@imot.orgTel: 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA New York ◦ Director: Michal Itzik◦ 212-499-5651Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770Chicago ◦ Director: Uri Steinberg ◦ 312-803-7080Los Angeles ◦ Marketing Director: Hezi Shely ◦ 323-658-7463Canada ◦ Director: Oded Grofman ◦ 416-964-3784
Geoffrey Weill AssociatesInformational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the Department of Justice

ISRAEL TOURISM BOUNCES BACK TO PRE-GLOBAL-FINANCIAL-DOWNTURN HIGH

PRESS RELEASE
ISRAEL TOURISM BOUNCES BACKTO PRE-GLOBAL-FINANCIAL-DOWNTURN HIGH
New York, September 15, 2009: More than a quarter million tourists visited Israel in August 2009, a similar number to August 2008, according to Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America. "2008 was the best year in history for tourism to Israel," Sommer observed, "so this August 2009 result may well mean that the downturn is behind us, and there is light on the horizon." Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov noted that the targeted marketing efforts of the tourism ministry in the last few months are yielding results. "The new marketing positioning of Israel as the Holy Land, with Jerusalem at its center, will continue to lead the Israel tourism industry into growth." The United States is the number one source of tourists to Israel, followed by Russia, Britain and France. "The ever-increasing number of flights to Israel is surely part of the reason for this good news," Sommer said. In July, US Airways commenced daily nonstop service from Philadelphia to Israel, "so that with the flights of El Al, Continental and Delta, there are as many as 10 nonstop flights every day from the US to Tel Aviv."For more information, visit www.goisrael.com.
`
Media contacts:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of TourismE-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL Tel: 212-499-5647Joe Diaz Julie Cooper Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest RegionE-mail: joediaz@imot.org E-mail: juliec@imot.orgTel: 404-541-2770 Tel: 312-803-7077Dan ManorIsrael Ministry of Tourism - Western RegionE-mail: danm@imot.orgTel: 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA New York ◦ Director: Michal Itzik◦ 212-499-5651Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770Chicago ◦ Director: Uri Steinberg ◦ 312-803-7080Los Angeles ◦ Marketing Director: Hezi Shely ◦ 323-658-7463Canada ◦ Director: Oded Grofman ◦ 416-964-3784
Geoffrey Weill AssociatesInformational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the Department of Justice

JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY RETURNS

PRESS RELEASE
JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY RETURNS AS ISRAEL'S NEWEST NIGHTSPOT
New York - September 15, 2009: Following the success of last year's event, travelers to Israel this fall will experience Jerusalem's remarkable holy sites in a whole new light with "Autumn Evenings in the Old City," featuring live musical performances and guided nighttime tours around the Old City's Jewish and Christian Quarters every Monday and Thursday throughout September and October.Visitors are able to select from a variety of nighttime musical concerts and special tours, including performances by the Perach Adom Group, OyDivision, the Maghreb Band and South America's Trio Indio. The festival nights will also include a special performance of "The Magic Drummers" show by the Eliav Family and Dr. Jazz's classic Dixieland jazz concert. "The 'Autumn Evenings in the Old City' festivities will attract a new wave of travelers to Jerusalem," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America, "And following the success of last year's events, the festival will continue to promote the Old City as a place that can be enjoyed after dark." The festival will also feature "The Night Spectacular" multi-media performance at the Tower of David Museum. Tours of "Autumn Nights in Jerusalem's Old City" begin at 6:30PM, free of charge. For advance registration for tours, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102700740813&s=30732&e=001_o_DoAZFPmrAizdRTZX4zSNl1ErQ7RiePHaigwNFG_zfgWsydB-DLqKKGaSHmRuF6qqVOnbCZeU3-Sc8-f6-hRWPzGpcMUMOr1Hu2r3mwpquJyEVFUwQXA==. For more information about travel to Israel, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102700740813&s=30732&e=001_o_DoAZFPmrSXsMHhU7m6sFZJTzDJGuGOK6I2qyJDoBF0POYngwNUDSy7rm70_hl2LsbtHDxusxrV3895PwlmOoD_c3hRHWF7h6_1WUf8L1qt_OHbELK5Q==.
`
Media contacts:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of TourismE-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL Tel: 212-499-5647Joe Diaz Julie Cooper Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest RegionE-mail: joediaz@imot.org E-mail: juliec@imot.orgTel: 404-541-2770 Tel: 312-803-7077Dan ManorIsrael Ministry of Tourism - Western RegionE-mail: danm@imot.orgTel: 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA New York ◦ Director: Michal Itzik◦ 212-499-5651Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770Chicago ◦ Director: Uri Steinberg ◦ 312-803-7080Los Angeles ◦ Marketing Director: Hezi Shely ◦ 323-658-7463Canada ◦ Director: Oded Grofman ◦ 416-964-3784
Geoffrey Weill AssociatesInformational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the Department of Justice

5TH TEL AVIV INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL, TEL AVIV CINEMATHEQUE

14 September 2009



5TH TEL AVIV INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL, TEL AVIV CINEMATHEQUE
23-26 SEPTEMBER 2009


The 5th Tel Aviv International Children’s Film Festival, the only film festival in Israel aimed at children aged 6-16, will take place this year from 23-26 September at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. Over 60 films will be screened during the festival, dealing with subject matter that interests children around the world and promises the spectator an introduction to different cultures. Many films are translated into Hebrew and English.

The heart of the Festival is the central screening program, which shows children’s and young people’s films in various categories: new and specially selected feature films, documentaries, and films made by directors from all over the world. These genres are reflected in a prize-winning competition along an Israeli and international track.

Within the framework of the festival, an international competition will take place, judged by a panel of international judges from Israel, Poland, Italy, Holland and Croatia. In line with the festival tradition, a jury panel of children from Israel will also deliberate on the films. The child judges received special training in a three day workshop during which they were exposed to terminology from the world of cinema, the basics of script writing and the rights of children.

Films to be screened in the International Competition include two Dutch films, The Seven of Daran - The Battle of Pareo Rock (the story of an impossible friendship set against the background of the wild and beautiful African Jungle) and Frogs and Toads (a humorous tale of a special old grandmother and her love for children and animals; the Chinese film, You Are An Angel (an emotional film about the healing power of love); the Swedish film One Eye Red (about the power of identity versus parental love); the American comedy Ready OK! (about a single mom who has difficulties understanding her son); the German/Swedish film The Eagle Hunter’s Son (the story of a journey through the wild Mongolian landscape); the Canadian film It's not Me, I swear! (a touching story about a special child's inner world) and the German film Crocodiles (the adventures of a fascinating child gang).

http://www.kidsfestival.cinema.co.il/

TEL AVIV-JAFFA CONTINUES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS WITH ARTLV-09 FESTIVAL

PRESS RELEASE
TEL AVIV-JAFFA CONTINUES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS WITH ARTLV-09 FESTIVAL

New York - September 14, 2009: Tel Aviv-Jaffa will continue its centennial celebrations this month with the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Art Biennial ARTLV-09, featuring the works of more than 300 artists at 20 different venues around the city, through September 24.The festival's central exhibition, "Circus Universalis," will showcase the works of 40 Israeli and international artists based upon visual representations of the modern city from different perspectives at the Nechushtan Pavilion near Neve Tzedek. Also, an exhibition featuring the works of international artists entitled, "Opening - Four Openings," will be presented at the Bezalal Academy of Art."The ARTLV-09 Festival is an exciting event that attracts some of the world's most popular contemporary artists to Tel Aviv-Jaffa," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "This year's festival will highlight Tel Aviv's rich art culture in concurrence with the year-long centennial celebration." Also, Rabin Square will be carpeted with half a million flowers in homage to the the city's founders from September 15-17. For more information, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102700483996&s=18536&e=001swA5WBHHIfW_Xo0pcw2f5pqq7REKAv0Y0nG-_kxkZ5C2GCCE5F7a7l7GHNVCaA_Au4BQboyxqcHxfQOS1UlQYfDCKbVq6te0aMJquGEP8QqafRnrLjDmcQ==. For more information about travel to Israel, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102700483996&s=18536&e=001swA5WBHHIfWeThYRqK8_AdoSNxqfVxNyMuwnUKo3VJyLpYmkQC5qIWbpX73RCvA1wcIauizLChqpbikuY-vWvHYesaKgRWEQE3tEWNGSbovzk_JRArNC0g==.
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RARE ILLUMINATED 14TH CENTURY HEBREW MANUSCRIPT ON FIRST-TIME DISPLAY AT THE SHRINE OF THE BOOK, ISRAEL MUSEUM

9 September 2009

RARE ILLUMINATED 14TH CENTURY HEBREW MANUSCRIPT ON FIRST-TIME DISPLAY
AT THE SHRINE OF THE BOOK, ISRAEL MUSEUM
The Nuremberg Mahzor: A Medieval Masterpiece Unveiled opens 15.9.09

A new exhibition entitled The Nuremberg Mahzor: A Medieval Masterpiece Unveiled will open 15 September 2009 at the Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, showcasing the Nuremberg Mahzor, one of the most complete illuminated Hebrew prayer books and among the largest surviving medieval codices in the world, following extensive restoration in the Museum’s paper conservation laboratories. Reflecting the highest achievements of Hebrew manuscript production during medieval times, the Mahzor includes finely hand-written liturgical poems and prayers for the entire Jewish year and life cycle, embellished with lavish illuminated panels of gold and silver leaf and precious pigments. Dating from 1331, the Mahzor will be on display in as the centerpiece of a focus exhibition on view from September 15, 2009 through February 2010.

The Nuremberg Mahzor: A Medieval Masterpiece Unveiled provides visitors with a first-time opportunity to view this newly conserved manuscript, complete with four previously missing leaves that are thought to have been removed during the Napoleonic Wars. Formerly in the collection of the Library at the Schocken Institute for Jewish Research in Jerusalem, the manuscript and the missing leaves were recently acquired by Dr. David and Jemima Jeselsohn, Zurich, and given to the Israel Museum on extended loan.

“This presentation of the Nuremberg Mahzor enhances and extends the timeline of Hebrew manuscripts on display in the Shrine of the Book, underscoring the dramatic evolution from the Dead Sea Scrolls in Second Temple times, to the Aleppo Codex in the 10th century, and continuing to the flourishing of the world’s Jewish communities throughout the Middle Ages,” said James S. Snyder, Anne and Jerome Fisher Director of the Israel Museum. “This exhibition also continues an important program of installations in the Shrine showcasing singular treasures of Jewish heritage drawn from our holdings and accentuating the Museum’s rich legacy of Jewish cultural history.”

In addition to containing the yearly cycle of Ashkenazic prayers, the Nuremberg Mahzor features an unparalleled collection of liturgical poems and commentaries that represent the majority of the manuscript’s content. Originally commissioned for private study and synagogue use by a Jewish patron named Joshua, Son of Isaac, the Mahzor was completed in Germany on August 8, 1331. The book likely served the larger Jewish community of Nuremberg thereafter, remaining in the city after the expulsion of the Jews in 1499.

The Mahzor was preserved intact in the Nuremberg city library until the early-19th century when eleven of its 528 leaves were excised, presumably by the Napoleonic army. Of the missing leaves, five resurfaced 100 years later in Frankfurt, in the collection of Mayer Selig Goldschmidt. Four of these were acquired in the 1930s by Salman Schocken, a German-Jewish businessman, publisher, and book collector, who in 1951 acquired the entire manuscript as part of a post-war restitution for property lost during World War II. For over fifty years, the Nuremberg Mahzor remained in the Schocken Institute in Jerusalem and was not accessible for public display. Today the manuscript contains 521 of its original 528 leaves (1042 pages).

ONE OF THE OLDEST SYNAGOGUES IN THE WORLD EXPOSED AT MIGDAL, NEAR THE SEA OF GALILEE

13 September 2009


ONE OF THE OLDEST SYNAGOGUES IN THE WORLD
EXPOSED AT MIGDAL, NEAR THE SEA OF GALILEE

A synagogue from the Second Temple period (50 BCE-100 CE) was exposed in archaeological excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is conducting at a site slated for the construction of a hotel on Migdal beach. In the middle of the synagogue is a stone that is engraved with a seven-branched menorah (candelabrum), the likes of which have never before been seen.

The main hall of synagogue is c. 120 square meters in area and its stone benches, which served as seats for the worshippers, were built up against the walls of the hall. Its floor was made of mosaic and its walls were treated with colored plaster (frescos). A square stone, the top and four sides of which are adorned with reliefs, was discovered in the hall. The stone is engraved with a seven-branched menorah set atop a pedestal with a triangular base, which is flanked on either side by an amphora (jars).

According to the excavation director, Dina Avshalom-Gorni of the IAA, “We are dealing with an exciting and unique find. This is the first time that a menorah decoration has been discovered from the days when the Second Temple was still standing. This is the first menorah to be discovered in a Jewish context and that dates to the Second Temple period/beginning of the Early Roman period. We can assume that the engraving that appears on the stone, which the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered, was done by an artist who saw the seven-branched menorah with his own eyes in the Temple in Jerusalem. The synagogue that was uncovered joins just six other synagogues in the world that are known to date to the Second Temple period”.

The company developing the site intends to establish a center of dialogue and respect between the different religions and cultures and expects to attract tourists and visitors from Israel and from around the world to visit the center and view the finding.

The synagogue is located in Migdal (‘Magdala’ in Aramaic), which is mentioned in Jewish sources. Migdal played an important role during the Great Revolt and was actually the main base of Yosef Ben Matityahu (Josephus Flavius), commander of the rebellion in the Galilee. Migdal also continued to resist the Romans after both the Galilee and Tiberias had surrendered. ‘Magdala’ is mentioned in Christian sources as the place whence Mary Magdalene came, one of the women who accompanied Jesus and the apostles and who Christian tradition has sanctified. After it was conquered by the Romans, the city was destroyed and many of its residents were killed. At the end of the Second Temple period Migdal was an administrative center of the western basin of the Sea of Galilee. Until the founding of Tiberias in the year 19 CE, Migdal was the only important settlement along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The site is currently closed to visitors and will be opened to the public in the future.

AIDA’s Art Guide

AIDA’s Art Guide is now online and can be accessed at www.IsraelArtGuide.org.

This online version of our print guide provides visitors a unique opportunity to meet artists and visit their studios and of course do some shopping. The online guide allows users the opportunity to search by media, location and artist name as well as print, email or text your search results. Each artist’s entry has an interactive map with an area for users comments.