In the quiet hills of Ein Kerem, a picturesque neighborhood in Jerusalem, a routine school trip turned into an extraordinary historical discovery. Ten-year-old Nehorai Nir, a student at Jerusalem’s Argentina Experimental High School in Kiryat Hayovel, explored the landscape with his classmates, gathering edible plants, when something unusual caught his eye.
“We were picking plants, and I was surprised to see a beautiful red pomegranate lying on the slope below me,” Nir recalled. “I ran to pick it up, but I found a worm inside, so I left it there. On my way back up, I suddenly noticed a colorful object gleaming in the dirt. I pulled it out and was immediately very excited. The staff told me to call the Israel Antiquities Authority, and when they arrived, they were just as thrilled as I was.”
What Nir had stumbled upon was a golden medallion, intricately crafted using a micro-mosaic technique. Dr. Amit Re’em, the Jerusalem District Archaeologist for the IAA, examined the artifact and provided insight into its origins. “This cross medallion, though not classified as an antiquity by law since it is only about 100 to 200 years old, is still a rare and significant find. Its craftsmanship showcases remarkable precision, with tiny glass and colorful stones meticulously arranged to form intricate patterns. This technique originated in Rome around 1800 and continued into the early 20th century.”
The medallion’s significance lies not just in its artistry but also in its location. Ein Kerem holds deep roots in Christian tradition as the birthplace of John the Baptist and the site where his mother, Elizabeth, is said to have met Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pilgrims from around the world have visited Ein Kerem for centuries, drawn by its historical and spiritual resonance. The Church of the Visitation and the Church of Saint John still stand as testaments to these sacred events.
Interestingly, archaeological remains in Ein Kerem date back over two thousand years, including ancient ritual purification pools-mikvahs, and tombs believed to be from the era of Elizabeth and Mary.
“This medallion tells the intimate story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Kerem more than a century ago,” Dr. Re’em explained. “It reflects the enduring draw of the Holy Land for people of faith, who crossed deserts, mountains, and seas to walk the same ground where these sacred events took place. Perhaps the medallion was lost during a pilgrim’s journey or purchased locally as a keepsake. Either way, its rediscovery connects us to that moment in time.”
