Safeguarding Ancient Relics Amidst Urban Development Project In Jerusalem Editorial Image

Before a building project, such as this one in the shadow of the `Old City` quarter`s Jaffa Gate could begin, archeologists had to scour the site to safeguard ancient ruins. As it turned out, Byzantine relics from a 4th-7th century shopping center were uncovered. Builders however, grew impatient at what they viewed as excessive time and attention devoted to the excavations. Both builders and developers were keen to commence their $300 million commercial and residential project linking East and West Jerusalem on the site of what had been `no man`s land` from 1948-1967. when the city had been divided. For their part, archeologists feared construction would ruin precious ancient artifacts. A compromise was reached, designating a portion of the area as an historic site. A city official had the last word. He cautioned, `It is a reflection of a society lacking in spiritual values when it disposes of cultural treasures without even a second thought.` Date: October, 1989.