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.