From Haaretz:
Painted tiles from an impressive ancient synagogue in Syria, along with other archaeological artifacts, went on display on Mount Scopus last month – after a 63-year delay.
The exhibits were originally intended to be shown to the public on Mount Scopus in 1948, but the outbreak of the War of Independence froze plans to open the nearly-completed museum built there. The exhibits were placed in drawers for decades and became accessible to the public only last month.
Among the artifacts are tiles from the ancient synagogue discovered in the city of Dura Europos, which is located in the Syrian desert above the banks of the Euphrates. To this day – about 80 years after its discovery – this 3rd century synagogue is considered one of the most complete and impressive examples of Jewish religious structures from that period.
The article gives more of the story behind the long delay in opening the exhibit.
HT: Joseph Lauer
