Dear Friends,
Yesterday was a monumental day in the 31 year history of Livnot, and I am
proud to share the news with you.
The Israeli Government officially announced that the "Kahal" - the 16th Century
village Livnot uncovered several years ago on our property in Tzfat - has been declared
a prestigious National Heritage Site.
One of only 30 other Heritage sites in Israel today, and the only one in Tzfat,
this exciting development ensures that this important and amazing find - which
contains a mikvah, bakery, cisterns, courtyards and dwelling units - will be fully
restored, preserved and developed for future generations from which to learn and
enjoy.
The name "Kahal," which means community, was the name of the Jewish ghetto in northern
Spain from where many Jews came 500 years ago upon escaping the Inquisition.
Behind today's announcement, was a four year concerted effort involving countless
meetings, tours, letters, proposals and phone calls with government officials from
the Prime Minister's Office, to the Israel Antiquities Authority, to the Tzfat Municipality.
I want to thank our entire staff and our friends across Israel, in the public and
private sectors, who played a key role in making this happen. Just as important,
I want to thank the thousands of volunteers who literally helped us uncover the
"Kahal."
What does this news mean for Livnot and the Old City of Tzfat?
- Our mission - which is to connect Jews to their heritage - will now become available
to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come through the Old City of Tzfat
every year.
- The "Kahal" will be bring to life, through state of the art educational,
historical and cultural innovation, Livnot's unique approach to Judaism.
- This is an opportunity to expose visitors to Livnot's core programs.
- The "Kahal" will help cement the ancient city of Tzfat as one of the spiritual centers
of the Jewish People.
- This declaration by the Israel Government includes a commitment of funds and resources
towards this project, a portion of which will be matched by Livnot.
- Finally,
the Government has also formed a working committee whose goal is to transform the
Old City of Tzfat into a International Heritage Site, and Livnot's "Kahal" is the
first step in that process.
Again, to all of you who have supported us, thank you and we will
keep you updated with plans and developments as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Aharon