A new exhibition at Ben Gurion Airport (Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)
A hidden trove of coins from the Hasmonean rebellion, the long-lost name “Ahab” etched into history, a colossal five-ton stone from the Western Wall, and the weapons of ancient conquerors—each a silent witness to the past. Now, these breathtaking relics take center stage in an extraordinary exhibition set along the Ben Gurion Airport exit passage.
Curated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority, and the Ministry of Heritage—with the generous support of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust—this immersive display weaves together archaeology and photography, capturing the electrifying moments of discovery. Through these artifacts, spanning over 3,000 years, the unbroken story of the Jewish people comes to life, whispering tales of resilience, triumph, and legacy to all who pass by.
A new exhibition “Eternity of Israel” opened Wednesday at Terminal 3 – the main international terminal – of Ben-Gurion Airport, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the history of Israel through archaeological findings and photos from rare moments of discovery.
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The exhibition was unveiled alongside Former Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu; Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido; and the National Airport Authority of Israel Managing Director, Udi Bar-Oz.
The exhibition transports travelers on an extraordinary journey through the epic story of the people of Israel—a saga of resilience, adversity, upheaval, and renewal. Spanning thousands of years, it vividly illustrates the unyielding spirit and enduring strength of a nation reborn.
A result of the dedicated collaboration between the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority, and the Israeli Ministry of Heritage, this remarkable display, Eternity of Israel, will grace the airport’s exit passage through January 2026. Made possible with the generous support of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the exhibition offers a powerful glimpse into the unbroken continuity of Israel’s legacy. “Helmsley remains committed to supporting the people of Israel and strengthening the global understanding of Israel,” says Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “A milestone for Israel’s cultural preservation efforts, this new exhibition from the Israel Antiquities Authority highlights the storied history of Israel and its people in a blend of archaeology and photography. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Israeli life and the nation’s rich cultural history that spans thousands of years.”
The exhibition showcases breathtaking photographs from archaeological sites and from significant moments of discovery during excavation.
Each photograph encapsulates a uniquely inspiring moment or special site, as captured by the camera lens. In addition to these powerful photographs, original and rare archaeological findings are on display, bearing witness to different periods in the history of the Jewish People.
The exhibition enables the visitor to form impressions from items, such as agricultural tools from a Hasmonean-era farm uncovered near Mount Arbel and displayed here for the first time; a Hasmonean coin hoard found in the desert; physical evidence to the name “Ahab,” the famous king of northern Israel; an original Western Wall stone weighing 5 tons; and weapons of long-gone conquerors.
“Ben Gurion Airport is the main entry and exit gate of the State of Israel”, says Eli Escusido, Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “In these times of fake news and anti-Semitism, here the hundreds of thousands of travelers from Israel and the world will meet the Jewish People’s unique story. Through the ‘Eternity of Israel’ exhibition, we seek to provide an exciting connective experience that reminds everyone of the depth of the roots and the eternal connection between the people of Israel and this land.”
According to Udi Bar Oz, Ben Gurion Airport Director General, “This is a unique project in Israel. This is the first time that the passenger passage combines authentic finds alongside spectacular photos. The display is already arousing great interest. Many people are stopping to look at the rare and impressive finds on display, which are a testimony to the glorious history of the people of Israel.”
