Kiryat Yearim Council Chairman Yitzhak Ravitz and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon launched a groundbreaking project this week, titled 'The Gateway to Jerusalem,' in which the settlement of Telzston will become a magnificent and central entrance to the capital, Jerusalem.
The head of the council gave the opening signal for the project during a 'Sheva Brachot' celebration for his son, which was held with the participation of Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon, who praised the head of the council's conduct and expressed his admiration that the moshav is exceptionally well-kept and clean.
During the 'Seven Blessings', which was held in the new 'Pninat Yearim' hall, which was recently inaugurated at Ravitz's initiative, the head of the council announced the launch of a special project, and presented to the audience initial details of the plan that will transform the face of the settlement beyond recognition, and into a desirable tourist destination that will improve the quality of life of the local residents, with significant budgets from government ministries and various bodies.
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The head of the council noted that the settlement of Kiryat Yearim was named after the biblical city, mentioned in the Bible. It was one of the four Gibeonite cities that made a covenant with the Israelites and to which the Ark of the Covenant was brought after it was returned from Philistine captivity.
Ravitz revealed that the best architects in Israel were recruited for the project.
In the first phase, the professionals drew up a plan that would change the face of all the squares, with signs characterizing Kiryat Yearim's connection to Old Jerusalem and its symbols. According to the plan, the massive work will begin in the near future.
For example, at the main entrance to the settlement will be the 'Kiryat Yearim Gate to Jerusalem' square, on which an ancient arch element will be placed representing the gate to Jerusalem. At the entrance of the arch will be placed a model of a golden cart carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the process of its preservation in Kiryat Yearim and its transfer to Jerusalem, the Holy City.
Likewise, the square at the entrance to Kiryat Yearim will become a 'Pilgrims' Gate', on which an arch-like element will be placed, combined with abstract figures. The element is reminiscent of the raising of the first fruits to the Temple from the place that served as the gate to Jerusalem. And so will the other squares, with elements that mark Kiryat Yearim's historical past as the gate to Jerusalem.
The program was developed in collaboration with educators and administrators of Torah institutions, so that children from all over the country would come to learn about the Jewish history that existed there during the times of the kings and prophets.
A visitors' center will be established in the settlement, and it will tell the biblical story. The center will also display special works by Tashber children from all over the country, relating to the Temple period.
