A routine school trip turned into an unforgettable adventure for a 10-year-old boy who accidentally made a remarkable discovery—an ornate gold cross, estimated to be between 100 and 200 years old. The find not only captivated the young explorer but also excited archaeologists, offering new insights into the religious significance of the region.
The Unexpected Discovery
Earlier this month, during a school excursion to Ein Karem, a historic district of Jerusalem, young Nehorai Nir stumbled upon a small, unusual cross pendant. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the artifact highlights Jerusalem’s long-standing importance as a pilgrimage site for Christians over the centuries.
A School Trip with a Surprising Twist
Nir and his classmates from a school in the nearby neighborhood of Kiryat Hayovel were on a nature outing, collecting wild plants in Ein Karem. "While gathering edible plants, I suddenly saw something colorful and shiny in the mud," he recalled. "I picked it up and was immediately excited. My teachers told me to call the Israel Antiquities Authority, and when they arrived, they were just as thrilled as I was."
A Cross with a Unique History
The small pendant—a beautifully crafted gold cross made using the intricate mosaic technique—originated in Rome around 1800 and remained popular until the early 20th century, according to the IAA.
“The craftsmanship required extraordinary skill,” explained Dr. Amit Re’em, an archaeologist with the IAA’s Jerusalem District. “The technique involves setting tiny pieces of glass and microscopic gemstones in different colors, arranged with incredible precision to create intricate patterns.”
What the Cross Reveals About Jerusalem
“This cross tells the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Karem,” said Re’em. “For centuries, people were willing to cross deserts, mountains, and seas—sometimes traveling for years—just to set foot on the sacred soil where Christianity began. The cross may have belonged to a European pilgrim and was lost on their journey to the Holy Land, or perhaps it was purchased here in Jerusalem.”
Ein Karem: A Place of Pilgrimage
Nestled in the scenic hills on the western outskirts of Jerusalem, Ein Karem is a popular tourist destination steeped in Christian history. It is traditionally identified as the birthplace of John the Baptist, and its two ancient churches—The Church of the Visitation and The Church of St. John—have been pilgrimage sites for centuries. Christian travelers often made a stop in Ein Karem on their way to the Old City of Jerusalem.
Since the cross was crafted after 1700, Israeli law does not classify it as an ancient artifact, meaning its discovery was not subject to mandatory reporting. However, the IAA praised Nir for his curiosity and quick action.
“I would like to personally thank Nehorai for his attentiveness and for reporting the cross to us immediately,” said IAA Director Eli Escusido. “His discovery sheds light on Ein Karem’s role as a major Christian pilgrimage site in the Land of Israel.”
The Church of the Visitation: A Site of Biblical Significance
One of Ein Karem’s most revered landmarks, the Church of the Visitation, commemorates the meeting of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, as described in the Gospel of Luke (1:39-56). This sacred connection continues to make Ein Karem a significant site for Christian pilgrims worldwide.
