The renovated Zedekiah Cave in Jerusalem was launched after being closed for the past three years for renovations carried out by the East Jerusalem Development Company, funded by the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israel Tradition - with the aim of improving the infrastructure and developing the content offered on the site.
Zedekiah's Cave, Jerusalem's fascinating mystery cave, is an ancient quarry cave measuring approximately 9 dunams, from which the stones were quarried for the construction of Jerusalem during the First Temple period, and according to some methods, the stones were even quarried for the construction of the Second Temple.
Many traditions have been associated with this place, from stories from the Bible that may have taken place there, to later testimonies in Jewish history. One of the most famous stories is the escape of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, from the Babylonians. Another version tells that during the days of destruction, many treasures were hidden in its depths.
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The relaunch ceremony was attended by the Minister of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Meir Porush, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, former Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage, MK Ze'ev Elkin, Director General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Assaf Yazdi, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Liron Yiflah, Director General of the East Jerusalem Development Company, Benny Sassi, public representatives from Jerusalem, and many other guests.
Minister of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Meir Porush: "This site is a cornerstone of Jerusalem, this is where our story begins. I see enormous importance in every child visiting here during the years they learn about their history. The task of educating the next generation is enormous, and Jerusalem must play a significant part in it. The location here may be a bit challenging, the axis up here also knows days and especially nights that are not quiet, but this is no reason to slow down the intensity of our activity. On the contrary, a prominent and significant Jewish presence is important here too.".
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon: "Together with the Jerusalem Ministry and Israel Tradition, in recent years the Cave of Zedekiah has undergone a significant upgrade that includes a new and special audiovisual show. I invite everyone to take advantage of the summer and come and enjoy the most beautiful city in the world and its diverse tourist sites.".
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Director General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Assaf Yazdi: "The location of the Cave of Zedekiah is important and strategic. The Ministry of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition is investing hundreds of millions of shekels in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality in developing economic and tourism projects in the area, with the ambition to also transform the northern basin of the Old City into a vibrant area for Israeli visitors and tourists from around the world.".
""We are also investing in the development of Sultan Suleiman Street, the Roman Square, the tomb of Shimon the Righteous, the Rockefeller Museum, and more. We thank the PMI company and its head for the partnership.".
CEO of the East Jerusalem Development Company, Benny Sassi: "The cave joins the upgrading of Old Jerusalem and its adaptation to 21st century visitors. Among other things, over the past three years we have also upgraded the Walls Promenade, where the defenders of Jerusalem were stationed for generations, armed with augmented reality technology.".
In preparation for the cave's reopening to the general public later this summer, and as part of the run-in process for the new audiovisual show being presented at the venue, which includes many advanced technical and digital developments and innovations, the venue is currently open to organized groups coming for guided tours of the venue.
