Israel Airports Authority Spokesperson:
“Eternity of Israel” – A Unique and Moving New Exhibition Opened Today at Ben Gurion Airport
The exhibition, on display in the departures concourse of Terminal 3, takes travelers on a fascinating 3,000-year journey through the history of the Jewish people
Minister Regev: “In these days it’s important to remember and present our glorious past and our constant struggle for independence against powerful empires that tried to annihilate us and our culture”
The “Eternity of Israel” exhibition opened today (Wednesday) in the departures concourse of Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion. The unique exhibition, a joint initiative of the Israel Airports Authority, Ben Gurion Airport management, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Ministry of Heritage and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, invites travelers on a breathtaking journey through time, from the days of the Maccabean Revolt to the present day.
“Eternity of Israel” combines rare and moving archaeological finds, photographs from antiquity sites and advanced technology to illustrate the story of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel – a story of strength, challenges, upheavals and revival. Among the unique exhibits: a hoard of coins from the time of the Hasmonean Revolt, evidence of the name of King Ahab, a 5-ton stone from the Western Wall, weapons from ancient wars and more. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of MK Amichai Eliyahu – former Minister of Heritage, Ministry of Heritage Director General Itai Granek, Israel Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kedmi, Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido, and Ben Gurion Airport Director Udi Bar Oz.
The exhibition presents the fascinating moments of discovery of the archaeological finds through videos filmed at the excavation sites, accessible to visitors via a QR code.
In addition, the exhibition displays models of important archaeological finds, inviting visitors to touch them and experience history in a tangible way.
The “Eternity of Israel” exhibition will be on display in the departures concourse of Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion for a year.
Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (res.) Miri Regev: “I welcome the moving ‘Eternity of Israel’ exhibition at Ben Gurion. Especially these days, when our people are under an international propaganda attack seeking to delegitimize the Zionist enterprise and deny the unbreakable bond between the people of Israel and its land, it’s important to remember and present our glorious past and our constant struggle for independence against powerful empires that tried to annihilate us and our culture – and our existence here is proof of their failure.”
Ministry of Transport Director General Moshe Ben Zaken: “I welcome the moving exhibition in the departures concourse at Ben Gurion, which unfolds the glorious history of the people of Israel in its land since ancient times. For Israelis and visitors alike, this is a unique opportunity to learn and enrich their knowledge, and to strengthen the connection with our heritage.”
Ben Gurion Airport Director Udi Bar Oz: “The ‘Eternity of Israel’ exhibition is a direct continuation of the tradition of rotating exhibitions at Ben Gurion, Israel’s gateway. The exhibition reveals the history of the Jewish people in its homeland to millions of travelers. We’re proud to present the cultural and archaeological richness of our country and to provide an inspiring experience for everyone passing through Ben Gurion’s gates.”
Ministry of Heritage Director General Itai Granek said: “The ‘Eternity of Israel’ exhibition is a tangible expression of the deep and unshakable bond between the Jewish people and its land. These days, as the world is exposed to the complex reality in Israel, it’s especially important to present the fascinating historical continuity of our people, documented in archaeological finds. The choice to display the exhibition at Ben Gurion, Israel’s main gateway, allows millions of visitors to be exposed to tangible evidence of the long-standing Jewish presence in the Land of Israel. The fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Airports Authority makes it possible to convey this important message in an impressive and meaningful way.”
Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority: “In days of fake news and antisemitism, hundreds of thousands of travelers from Israel and around the world will be exposed here to the unique story of the Jewish people. Through the exhibition, we seek to provide a moving and connecting experience that reminds everyone of the depth of the roots and the eternal connection between the people of Israel and this land.”
Sandor Frankel, Helmsley Charitable Trust Trustee: “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is committed to continuing to support the people of Israel and to strengthening understanding of Israel around the world. The Israel Antiquities Authority’s new exhibition presents the fascinating history of Israel and the Jewish people, combining archaeological finds and photography. Visitors here will enjoy an opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural history of this millennia-old nation.”
Galit Litani, the exhibition’s curator on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority: “The ‘Eternity of Israel’ exhibition seeks to convey the vitality of the Jewish people and its devotion to its land. We wanted to create an experience that combines the worlds of archaeology, history and culture, giving travelers a glimpse into the history of the people as reflected through the finds.”
