EXPLORATION IN PALESTINE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17451, 11 May 1922, Page 2

EXPLORATION IN PALESTINE.

A MEW JEWISH SOCIETY. The Jewish Palestine Exploration Society has recently been formed for the purpose of supplementing the activity conducted by the other Exploration Societies in the Holy Land. It has already accomplished a good deal of valuable work, including the clearing of the site of the ancient synagogue of Hamata, where numerous Jewish objects used in worship and other objects of art have been found; the exposure of parts of the ancient wall of the Sanctuary which date from the time of the Herodians; the discovery of the antique Judseo-Hdlenic Cemetery of the second and third centuries, with the tomb of the members of the Synedrion or Council of Tiberias; and the discovery of the _ foundation of the Acropolis of the Kings fTerod Antipas and Herod Agrippa iL, and of Berenice. Among the works awaiting completion are the excavation of the builds ings adjoining the synagogue of Hamata, the discovery of the remainder of the Judffleo-Hellenic cemetery, and the excavation of the site of the Acropolis of Tiberias. The Society has secured a concession of the ground surrounding the monument known as- the Pyramid or Obelisk of Absalom on the Mount of Olives, and proposes to carry out excavations on this site in the course of the summer. It has also been authorised to carry out soundings near .the source of the Siloa in the vicinity of the ruins of the wall of Neliemiah.

Dr. N. Slousch, the Director of the Sflciety, recently arrived in England in its interests, and brought a letter of introduction from the High Commissioner to Sir Frederick Kenyon. He states that local committees in aid of the Society have already been formed not only in Palestine, but also in Egvpt and France;, and he is anxious that similar committees should be formed in England, America,., and elsewhere. It is hoped to raise £3OOO in England.