Protest in Jisr a-Zarqa: The construction project is expected to continue even after antiquities were discovered at the site

During infrastructure works for a new residential project near the beach in the locality, ancient tombs and remains of a building from the Roman period were exposed.

But the authorities do not intend to abandon the plans.

Meanwhile, residents are protesting: "It is forbidden to build there, it should be a holy place that brings foreign tourists like the pyramids in Egypt"

Yoav Itiel

12/04/2022

Tuesday, 12 April 2022, 10:11 Updated: 12:15

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In the video: Demonstration following the demolition of a hut in the fishing village on Jisr a-Zarqa beach (Photo: Yoav Itiel)

Remains of an ancient building and ancient tombs were discovered in excavations in the town of Jisr a-Zarqa as part of infrastructure work for a new residential project that is about to be built near the beach.

Despite the discovery, the authorities do not intend to abandon the project, which created protest and fear among the residents of the settlement.

The antiquities were unveiled last weekend during the works, and it is estimated that they are probably from the Late Roman period.

The ancient structure that was discovered includes clay pipes and is reminiscent of similar structures in the area that were used for baths.

A tomb structure that was exposed, including dressed stairs.

The old residents of the settlement say that they remember remnants of the place that were visible until decades ago, but over time they were covered in sand and forgotten, until they are now rediscovered.

Since the discovery, there have been many calls in the locality to stop the development work until the identity of the antiquities becomes clear.

However, the officials of the Antiquities Authority, who were called to the scene and demarcated three areas for excavations, left them a few days later, and the locality says that the work will continue.

More on Walla!

Hundreds of coins, figurines and bells underwater: the treasures discovered off the coast of Caesarea

To the full article

The antiquities discovered in Jisr a-Zarqa (Photo: Yoav Itiel)

"This area should be a holy place that brings foreign tourists, like the pyramids in Egypt. It is forbidden to build there," read one of the locals on Facebook.

Izz al-Din Amash, the former head of the council, who intends to run in future elections, is already clashing with state authorities on the basis of the discoveries, mentioning that during his tenure in the western Jisr a-Zarqa, a park, event park and campsite were to be built.

He now claims that "our above proposal was in place and the exposures from the last few days have proven it."

But the planning committees have other plans. Which includes the development of tourism at an international level that will be spread over an area of ​​320 dunams which, according to the Spatial Planning and Construction Committee, the "Baron Localities", will include 700 holiday units.

The antiquities discovered in Jisr a-Zarqa (Photo: Yoav Itiel)

"The village not only enjoys a strategic location and natural treasures and an authentic beach, it is rich in antiquities from various periods including Roman, Byzantine and Islamic, such as aqueduct, Roman dam in the north of the village and Tel Taninim," he told Walla!

Sami Elali, chairman of the People's Committee in Jisr a-Zarqa, "Despite this, the archaeological potential is not exploited and it suffers from constant neglect by the responsible authorities.

" This has been more than two decades, following a decision by the Israel Antiquities Authority. "There is potential here for a lot of positive things, not only tourism, but also education, history and heritage, that can be instilled in students in schools.

I sincerely hope that the recently uncovered findings will be preserved and become regulated sites that will intensify local tourism and a sense of Jesse's pride. "

"The village and its surroundings are very precious to us and important to our heritage," said Sheikh Murad Amash, head of the Jisr a-Zarqa local council. Its proximity to Caesarea. We know and according to regulations that all infrastructure development and construction works are subject to inspection by the Antiquities Authority and are required by documentation. The Antiquities Authority contacted us a month ago and announced the start of the excavation. Jisr a-Zarqa will also build public buildings and prepare open spaces for public use, as well as housing within it. "

The antiquities discovered in Jisr a-Zarqa (Photo: Yoav Itiel)

This is what the future project looks like to be built on the ancient ruins (Photo: Official website, Lomo Studio)

The rainforest holding company, which is building the "Turquoise" project in Jisr a-Zarqa, said that "graves have indeed been discovered in nearby plots. Not related to us. We have received permission from the Antiquities Authority to continue construction."

The Israel Antiquities Authority responded that an archeological excavation leading up to the construction of the Jesser West neighborhood revealed finds from the Late Roman period (3rd-2nd centuries CE). "The water is typical of the Caesarea area. The state of preservation of the pool is not optimal and in light of the frequency of the finds and its condition, it was decided to release the area for further development.

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• Israel Antiquities Authority

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