Netzach Israel—The Eternity of Israel”

A new exhibition at Ben Gurion Airport takes passengers on an important journey through the history of the people of Israel.

A cache of coins from the Hasmonean rebellion, evidence of the name “Ahab”, a stone from the Western Wall weighing 5 tons and the weapons of long-gone conquerors—The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority and the Ministry of Heritage, supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, set up an extraordinary exhibition along the airport exit passage, combining archaeological findings and photographs of rare moments of discovery, which tell the story of and continuity of the Jewish people over 3,000 years

TEL AVIV, February 12, 2025 – A new exhibition “Eternity of Israel” opened today (Wednesday) at Terminal 3 of Ben-Gurion Airport, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the history of Israel through archaeological findings and photos from rare moments of discovery.

The exhibition was unveiled alongside Former Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu; Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido; and the National Airport Authority of Israel Managing Director, Udi Bar-Oz.

The exhibition takes passengers on a journey through the story of the people of Israel – one of strength, challenges, upheavals, and revival, spanning thousands of years and illustrating the power of the people's renewal.

This new exhibition, the result of the joint efforts of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority and the Israeli Ministry of Heritage, will be on display along the airport’s exit passage through January 2026. “Eternity of Israel” is supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

“Helmsley remains committed to supporting the people of Israel and strengthening the global understanding of Israel,” says Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “A milestone for Israel’s cultural preservation efforts, this new exhibition from the Israel Antiquities Authority highlights the storied history of Israel and its people in a blend of archaeology and photography. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Israeli life and the nation’s rich cultural history that spans thousands of years.”

The exhibition showcases breathtaking photographs from archaeological sites and from significant moments of discovery during excavation.

Each photograph encapsulates a uniquely inspiring moment or special site, as captured by the camera lens. In addition to these powerful photographs, original and rare archaeological findings are on display, bearing witness to different periods in the history of the Jewish People.

The exhibition enables the visitor to form impressions from items, such as agricultural tools from a Hasmonean-era farm uncovered near Mount Arbel and displayed here for the first time; a Hasmonean coin hoard found in the desert; physical evidence to the name “Ahab,” the famous king of northern Israel; an original Western Wall stone weighing 5 tons; and weapons of long-gone conquerors.

Each photo and finding features a QR code that allows passengers to access videos filmed at the excavation areas, providing the opportunity to experience the discoveries in singular moments.

In addition, the exhibition displays models of important archaeological findings in the country’s history, which visitors will be invited to touch.

According to Galit Litani, exhibition curator on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The 'Eternity of Israel' exhibition seeks to convey the powerful vitality of the Jewish People, and how they cleave to their land. 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.”

Former Minister of Heritage, MK Amichai Eliyahu, said, “It is not without cause that this exhibition is set up precisely in these days, as we face national challenges and security challenges. The exhibition reminds us all of our deep roots and the Jewish People's uncompromising commitment to their country and heritage. Exposing the visitors to the eternity of the Jewish People against the background of recent events strengthens the spirit of all peoples and conveys a message of strength and hope to future generations.”

“Ben Gurion Airport is the main entry and exit gate of the State of Israel”, says Eli Escusido, Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “In these times of fake news and anti-Semitism, here the hundreds of thousands of travelers from Israel and the world will meet the Jewish People’s unique story. Through the 'Eternity of Israel' exhibition, we seek to provide an exciting connective experience that reminds everyone of the depth of the roots and the eternal connection between the people of Israel and this land.”

According to Udi Bar Oz, Ben Gurion Airport Director General, “This is a unique project in Israel. This is the first time that the passenger passage combines authentic finds alongside spectacular photos. The display is already arousing great interest. Many people are stopping to look at the rare and impressive finds on display, which are a testimony to the glorious history of the people of Israel.”

About the Israel Antiquities Authority

The Israel Antiquities Authority is a statutory corporation and the leading professional institution in the archaeology of the Land of Israel, responsible for the country's antiquities and archaeological sites—their excavation, preservation, conservation, research, presentation, publication, and the stewardship and management of the national treasures of the State of Israel.

About the Helmsley Charitable Trust:

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes, including $700 million for grants in Israel. For more information on Helmsley and its programs, visit helmsleytrust.org.

Photos   Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority