Shalom Al Israel synagogue
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The Shalom Al Israel synagogue (Hebrew: שלום על ישראל), is Jericho's ancient synagogue.
The synagogue, dating from the Byzantine period, was revealed in excavations taken in 1936 by Dr. Baramki of the Antiquities Authority under the British Mandate. It appears to have been in use from the 5th to 8th centuries, though the date of its construction is unknown.
The synagogue contained a big mosaic on the floor with drawings of the Ark of the Covenant, the Menorah, a Shofar, a Lulav and the inscription "Shalom al Yisrael" (Peace on Israel).
After the Six Day War, Israelis began visiting the site regularly for prayers.
In later years, a yeshiva was developed in the place.
[edit] Recent times
The house belongs to a Jerusalemite Palestinian family who kept taking care of it since 1947 until the 1982 order of confiscation by the Israelis. During all that time, Israelis and foregners were allowed free access to the mosaic.
The Palestinian authority minister of justice ordered a return of the property to the Original owners (Shahwan family in 1994). Instead, the Palestinian military continues to control it preventing owners from preserving it as they did for more than 60 years before.
The Shahwan family has all proper registration of the ownership and continues to respect the site. for details : contact Hakam@shahwan.org tel: + 972 50 2500076 or + 962 79 5023304
