Ben Gurion Airport exhibit traces Jewish life through Israel’s history
The finds on display include a Hasmonean coin hoard, archaeological evidence of the biblical king Ahab, and a Western Wall stone
Rossella Tercatin is The Times of Israel's archaeology and religions reporter.
Some 2,000 years ago, a family living in the Eastern Galilee suddenly abandoned its farm. While its motives are unknown, it left behind a treasure trove of artifacts and critical insights into the daily life of the Hasmonean period.
Some of its iron agricultural tools, unearthed at Horbat Asad in 2022, are now being displayed to the public for the first time at Ben Gurion Airport as “The Eternity of Israel Exhibition.”
The exhibit “seeks to convey the powerful vitality of the Jewish People, and how they cleave to their land,” Galit Litani, curator on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said in a statement after the exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday.
“We wanted to create an experience that combines the worlds of archaeology, history and culture, and gives travelers a glimpse into our people’s history, as reflected through the findings.”
Housed along the airport’s departure hall through January 2026, the initiative will allow passengers leaving Israel to enjoy pictures and artifacts documenting the connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.
The finds on display include a Hasmonean coin hoard from the desert; archaeological evidence of the name “Ahab,” a king of northern Israel prominently featured in the Bible; and ancient weapons.
An original five-ton stone from the Western Wall is also on display in a special corner devoted to the holiest site in the Jewish tradition.
“The exhibition reminds us all of our deep roots and the Jewish people’s uncompromising commitment to their country and heritage,” said MK Amichai Eliyahu, who worked on the initiative as heritage minister, before resigning last month.
“Exposing the visitors to the eternity of the Jewish people against the background of recent events strengthens the spirit of the whole nation and conveys a message of strength and hope to future generations.”
The Heritage Ministry co-organized the exhibition with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Airports Authority, with the support of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
“Ben Gurion Airport is the main entry and exit gate of the State of Israel,” IAA Director General Eli Escusido said in a statement.
“In these times of fake news and antisemitism, here, the hundreds of thousands of travelers from Israel and the world will meet the Jewish people’s unique story.”
