A RITUAL BATH (MIKVE) DATING TO THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD WAS DISCOVERED NEAR KIBBUTZ TZORA

Within the framework of an archaeological excavation of the Israel Antiquities Authority, prior to the installation of a water line by the Mekorot Company

The exposure of the bath corroborates historical sources that indicated the existence of a Jewish settlement in the region

A plastered building, probably a ritual bath (mikve), dating to the Second Temple period (first century BCE-first century CE) was exposed in an archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority conducted prior to the installation of a water line by the Mekorot Company at an antiquities site, c. 2 kilometers north of Kibbutz Tzora.

The excavation revealed a square structure that has three walls treated with a thin layer of plaster that facilitated the storage of water. A channel used to drain water into the ritual bath was installed in a corner. In addition, a plaster floor and three stairs that descend from it to the west (toward the hewn openings in the bedrock) were exposed.

According to archaeologist Pablo Betzer, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “This is the first time that any remains dating to the Second Temple period have been exposed in this region. We knew from the Talmud and from non-Jewish sources that on this ridge, as in most of the Judean coastal plain, there was an extensive Jewish community 2,000 years ago that existed until the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. Yet despite the many surveys and excavations that have been carried out to date no remains from this period have been discovered so far”. According to Betzer the name of the Jewish settlement that the ritual bath belonged to is still unknown.

Mekorot reports that the building was discovered while modernizing the water supply system first built in the 1950s in the region between Kfar Uriah and Moshav Yishi, in a project slated to cost 20 million NIS. During the course of all the infrastructure work Mekorot fully cooperated with the Israel Antiquities Authority out of a commitment to the values of tradition and history. Mekorot also stated that the discovery will not affect the project’s timetable and that the work will be completed on schedule.

In order to preserve the discovery Mekorot has agreed to change the location of the slated water line.

(Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)

___________________________

October 10, 2011

RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS TO ISRAEL IN SEPTEMBER: 284,000,

A 5% INCREASE COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 2010.

A RECORD WAS ALSO SET FOR THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS, 229,000 – AN 11% INCREASE COMPARED TO THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR

Despite the geopolitical situation in the region, the Ministry of Tourism has succeeded in its marketing efforts: with increased and targeted activities, and a larger budget, demand for tourism to Israel has increased. 284,000 visitors arrived in Israel this last September – a 5% increase as compared to the same time last year (270,000) and a 7% increase compared to September 2008. This is an all-time record.

According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, of the visitors who entered Israel in September, 229,000 were tourists (visitors who come for an extended stay) – an 11% increase as compared to the same time last year and an all-time record for tourism in September. Day visitors in September number 54,000 visits – a 15% decrease as compared to the same time last year, of which 21,400 were entries from cruises – a 2% decrease as compared to September 2010.

Since the beginning of the year through the end of September 2011, 2.4 million visitors entered Israel, similar to last year, which was a record year for tourism to Israel. Of those visitors, 2.1 million were tourists – a 4% increase as compared to the same time last year.
Day visitors number 350,000 entries – a 21% decrease as compared to 2010.

Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov: "Despite regional and international events, we have positioned Israel as a preferred and attractive destination for tourists, bringing tourism numbers to new heights. Over the next few months, the Ministry of Tourism will continue with increased marketing efforts worldwide to improve the Israeli tourism product and Israel's image abroad."

The Minister added that in one month from today, 11.11.11, the finalists will be announced in the New Seven Wonders of Nature campaign, in which the Dead Sea is competing against 27 other natural wonders worldwide. "I call upon all of Israel's residents and friends around the world to vote for the Dead Sea and to encourage families and friends worldwide to join the vote, leading the Dead Sea to the prestigious title. Winning this competition will emphasize the unique tourism product that Israel has to offer, attracting thousands more to tour the country, improving the economy and employment opportunities in the Dead Sea region and in Israel."

(Courtesy of Israel Ministry of Tourism)

___________________________

October 6, 2011

MINISTER OF TOURISM, STAS MISEZHNIKOV: "A TOURISM REVOLUTION IN EILAT IS TAKING PLACE RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES.

WE WILL WITNESS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS SIGNIFICANT TOURISM ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE CITY."

THE MINISTER WILL PARTICIPATE IN EILAT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT THAT WILL FOCUS ON A TOURISM VISION FOR THE CITY

Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov, will receive this evening the key to the city of Eilat from its mayor, Meir Yizhak Halevy, during a festive city council meeting focusing on the tourism vision for the city.

Also in attendance at the meeting will be President of the Israel Hotel Association, Ami Federman, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Noaz Bar-Nir, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism at Eilat's municipality.

The Minister of Tourism announced earlier this year that as part of the Ministry of Tourism's decision to bring Eilat back onto the international tourism map, competing with neighboring countries for the tourist’s heart, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to invest significantly in Eilat's infrastructures, marketing and events.

Within this framework, Eilat was placed on the regional tourism preference map, allowing investors and entrepreneurs in the hotel and attractions industries to receive grants in accordance with the Law to Encourage Capital Investment. As a result, to date, there are six new initiatives for the construction of new hotels in the city.

The Ministry of Tourism is also working toward increasing direct flights to Eilat, hoping to reach the same number of flights that existed a decade ago. Over the last year, the Ministry of Tourism has increased the number of weekly flights from 14 last winter, to 27 this coming winter season.

In addition, NIS 103 million will be invested over the next four years for specific programs in Eilat. The budget will be allocated to various programs including NIS 35 million toward targeted marketing of Eilat in cities worldwide as well as NIS 4 million toward events that will help position the city as an attractive destination. The ministry will also continue to market land for hotel development on the eastern lagoon through the Israel Land Authority, as a partner in the operation of the new corporation, helping with providing professional development of employees in the tourism industry and more.

Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, stated this morning that "The city of Eilat, whose economic development relies for the most part on tourism, must continue to develop its tourism industry by constructing new hotels, new attractions and shopping centers, hosting attractive events and having suitable physical and human infrastructures - which will help with the regional competition over the heart of the tourist. The Ministry of Tourism is devoted to the city and its residents and is certain that cooperation between all of the city's important authorities, headed by the city's mayor and the local tourism industry, will lead Eilat toward new achievements."

(Courtesy of Israel Ministry of Tourism)