Photo by
Yoav Dudkevich/TPS-IL on 29 December, 2024
Ten-Year-Old Boy Discovers 100-Year-Old Cross Medallion in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 29 December, 2024 (TPS-IL) -- A ten-year-old boy on a school outing discovered a 100-year-old cross medallion in Jerusalem, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Sunday.
Nehorai Nir, a student at Argentina Experimental High School in Kiryat Hayovel, was exploring the slopes of Jerusalem’s Ein Karem neighborhood when he stumbled upon the medallion.
“We were picking edible plants, and I saw a red pomegranate lying on the ground,” he recalled. “When I ran to pick it up, I found a worm inside and put it back down. But as I climbed back up, I saw something shiny in the dirt. I pulled it out and was immediately very excited.”
The Ein Kerem area in Jerusalem holds significant importance for Christians as it is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist. The area is home to several sacred sites, including the Church of the Visitation and the Church of St. John the Baptist.
The school staff advised Nehorai to report the find to the Israel Antiquities Authority, who quickly dispatched experts to examine the medallion. Dr. Amit Re’em, the Antiquities Authority’s Jerusalem District Archaeologist, described the find as a golden cross medallion crafted with micro-mosaic techniques.
“This cross is a testament to the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Karem 100–200 years ago, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Land to the three monotheistic religions. People were willing to cross deserts, mountains, and seas, often over the course of years, just to touch the soil where it all began,” said Dr. Amit Re’em, the Antiquities Authority’s Jerusalem District Archaeologist.
“The cross may have arrived with a pilgrim from Europe and fallen during their journey in the Land of Israel, or perhaps it was purchased here in Jerusalem. When Nehorai shared the story of the discovery, one could almost imagine the moment the pendant was lost—only to be found by the boy about a century later.” Re’em added.
Antiquities Authority director Eli Escusido praised Nir’s quick-thinking and alertness. “This exciting find, coinciding with the Christmas season, highlights Ein Karem’s role as a central place of Christian pilgrimage in the Land of Israel. Through this small but unique object, we are reminded of one individual’s journey and the rich history that connects us to this sacred site.”
