Ten-Year-Old Discovers Vintage Cross Medallion in Jerusalem

During a school trip to Ein Karem, a ten-year-old boy named Nehorai Nir discovered a cross medallion made using a micro-mosaic technique, dating back 100-200 years. The medallion, crafted with colored glass and tiny stones, reflects the high craftsmanship of the era and tells the story of Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. Ein Karem is significant in Christian tradition as the birthplace of John the Baptist and the site of the meeting between his mother, Elizabeth, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Although the medallion is not classified as an antiquity under Israeli law, it has sparked considerable excitement among archaeologists, highlighting the historical importance of the site. The find was reported to the Israel Antiquities Authority, emphasizing the legal requirement to notify authorities of such discoveries. This event coincides with the Christian celebration of Christmas, further underscoring the medallion's relevance to the Christian community.