Trove of 3,600-year-old Canaanite period artifacts found near Judean foothills
(Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) A treasure trove of ancient gold and silver artifacts dating back some 3,600 years was recently discovered in Tel Gezer, an archaeological site on the Judean foothills, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced Monday.
The archaeologists believe that the trove was most likely part of a ceremonial offering that was laid in the center of the multilevel structure being excavated.
The artifacts were found in a pot wrapped in fabric and was still somewhat intact. An analysis of the fibers and the method of weaving indicated the fabric was a type of linen.
Analysis of the artifacts indicates the trove was an offering in a structure likely seeking to synthesize Mesopotamian-Canaanite gods and Egyptian culture. The structure complex itself is part of a Middle Canaanite period city that includes an impressive gate, a wall and the largest Canaanite water tower known to date.
“Gezer was one of the most important cities in the land of Israel during the Canaanite period,” Israel Parks Authority Director Shaul Goldstein said.
“Its importance continued through the period when King Saul rebuilt the city. Finding this trove is a significant accomplishment that shines a light on the Canaanite culture in Israel 3,600 years ago, and further cements Gezer’s position as a significant archaeological site.”
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Israel ratifies Paris climate change agreement
(JNS.org) The Israeli government has ratified the landmark Paris climate change agreement signed last year that seeks to lower by 25 percent its greenhouse gas emissions.
Israel ratified the agreement ahead of this year’s United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco, where Israel’s Environmental Protection Minister Ze’ev Elkin is scheduled to attend.
“The Paris Agreement not only binds the state of Israel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like all developed countries, but it is also a tremendous opportunity for the growth of the Israeli clean tech sector, providing new technological solutions in the field of environmental protection and coping with climate change for the whole world,” Elkin said, the Jerusalem Post reported.
By signing the accord, Israel is committed to reducing its 2005 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
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Israel appoints new ambassador to Turkey in final step of reconciliation
(JNS.org) Israel has announced the appointment of a new ambassador to Turkey in what is viewed as the final step in reconciliation and normalization between the two countries.
Eitan Na’eh, who currently serves as deputy ambassador in London and also served as former ambassador to Azerbaijan, has been selected for the post, the Foreign Ministry said. Na’eh joined the Foreign Ministry in 1991 where he specialized in Turkish affairs and was previously posted in Ankara in 1993.
Last month, Turkish media reported that Kemal Okem, a close adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had been selected as envoy to Israel.
Erdogan had expelled the previous Israeli envoy in 2010 during the fallout from the Israeli commando raid on the Mavi Marmara flotilla. Both countries agreed to restore relations last summer.
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State Department expresses ‘deep concern’ over Israeli settlement outpost bill
(JNS.org) The U.S. State Department strongly condemned an Israeli Knesset bill that seeks retroactively legalize Jewish settlement outposts, saying Monday that the bill breaks with longstanding Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land.
“We’re deeply concerned,” Elizabeth Trudeau, the State Department’s director for press operations, told reporters in Washington, DC.
Trudeau said the legislation “would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that is inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and breaks non-standing Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land.”
“This legislation would be a dramatic advancement of the settlement enterprise, which is already gravely endangering the prospects for a two-state solution,” Trudeau added.
The legislation, known as the “Arrangement Law,” seeks to retroactively legalize some 2,000 settler outposts on private Palestinian land, including settler homes in Amona that are scheduled for demolition in December. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far opposed the bill. Even if the bill becomes law, it might also be struck down by Israel’s Supreme Court.
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Jewish group, Israeli firm partner to develop global alert system for anti-Semitism
(JNS.org) The World Jewish Congress (WJC) announced that it has acquired a new Israeli-developed global alert system that will enable Jewish communities around the world to communicate in the event of an anti-Semitic or terrorist attack.
The software system, being developed by the Israeli firm NowForce, is a cloud-based computer aided dispatch system that seeks to enhance communication as well as reduce the response time of local authorities and security forces. The system will include a mobile application for citizens in distress to report incidents as they occur.
“The World Jewish Congress is committed to ensuring the security of Jews everywhere, and will not rest until our communities are better prepared and equipped to protect and defend themselves against any and every threat,” said WJC President Ronald Lauder.
According to the WJC, the system will be gradually introduced in global Jewish communities during a 10-year period.
“We look forward to working closely with WJC in implementing a rapid and successful roll-out of the system and to its becoming a key resource for Jewish communities throughout the world,” NowForce CEO Assaf Shafran said.
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