Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – During a class trip to the scenic area of Ein Karem in Jerusalem, Israel, 10-year-old Nehorai Nir made an intriguing discovery. As a student at Jerusalem’s Argentina Experimental High School in Kiryat Hayovel, Nehorai noticed something glimmering on the ground and decided to investigate further. This led to the finding of a magnificent and unique cross medallion.
Ein Karem neighborhood, Jerusalem, a center of Christian pilgrimage. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
“We were picking edible plants, and I was surprised to see a beautiful red pomegranate lying on the ground below me on the slope,” Nir recounts.
“I ran to pick it up and discovered a worm inside, so I reluctantly put it down. But on the way back up the hill, I suddenly saw a colorful object shining in the dirt. I pulled it out and was immediately excited. The staff told me to call the Israel Antiquities Authority, and when they came, they were very enthused.”
Nehorai Nir, ten years old. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Experts have highlighted the significance of a tiny object discovered by a youngster, which narrates the journey of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, following their traditions. The item in question is a stunning golden medallion crafted using a micro-mosaic technique. Dr. Amit Re’em, Jerusalem District Archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority, examined this cross medallion and explained that although it is not classified as an antiquity due to its age of approximately 100-200 years, it remains a unique artifact.
The medallion was found in Ein Karem. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
The creation process required skilled craftsmanship involving the precise placement of glass and small, colorful precious stones to form intricate patterns—a technique that originated in Rome around 1800 and persisted until the early 20th century. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this medallion holds historical importance due to its discovery location—Ein Karem—a site revered in Christianity.
Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, a center of Christian pilgrimage. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Church of the Visitation. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Ein Karem holds significant importance for Christians, as it is believed to be the “town in Judah” mentioned in the New Testament, where John the Baptist was born. According to scripture, this is also where Elizabeth, John’s mother, met Mary (Miriam), Jesus’ mother, while both were expecting their sons.
Tradition suggests that this encounter occurred near a local well. Today, a well in Ein Karem is associated with this biblical event. This historical and religious context led to the establishment of the Church of the Visitation and the Church of Saint John. These sites have attracted pilgrims from Europe over generations as they traveled from coastal ports to Jerusalem’s Old City.
Dr. Anit Reim and Nehorai Nir examine the medallion with a microscope. Credit: Elisheva Zvibel, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Cross medallion inset with glass and tiny precious stones. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Additionally, Ein Karem features archaeological remains dating back two thousand years, including a ritual purification immersion pool known as a miqve in Hebrew and ancient tombs—elements that align with the era of Elizabeth (Elisheva) and Mary according to Christian tradition.
The medallion was found in Ein Karem. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
“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,” Dr. Re’em said.
Christian pilgrimage. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
“People were willing to cross deserts, mountains, and seas, often over the course of years, just to touch the soil where it all began. 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.”
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“I would like to personally thank Nehorai for his alertness and his prompt report of the medallion’s discovery, said Eli Escusido, Israel Antiquities Authority Director.
“This exciting find in the very month that Christians celebrate Christmas puts the spotlight on Ein Karem as a central place of Christian pilgrimage in the Land of Israel. Through the medium of a small but unique object, we are exposed to the story of one individual’s thrilling personal journey, which connects us to the past history of this site and to the world of the pilgrims.”
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
