New York - March 11, 2010: A reborn Hurva Synagogue will open to the public on March 15, after an extensive four-year construction project in the Old City of Jerusalem. Built in 1864 atop ruins of an earlier synagogue, the Hurva Synagogue was the largest and considered the most important synagogue in Jerusalem. It was destroyed in 1948 during Israel's War of Independence. After the city was reunified in 1967, a 52-foot arch was erected on the site to commemorate the giant dome of the destroyed building, and this arch has been incorporated into the dome that is the centerpiece of the new building.

The new Hurva Synagogue features wall paintings based on the building's original murals, including depictions of the Tower of David, Rachel's Tomb, the Sea of Galilee and the Cave of the Patriarchs.

"The opening of the Hurva Synagogue is a highly anticipated and historic event in Jerusalem," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America, "And the re-imagined wall paintings will bring new life to one of Israel's most important synagogues."

Travelers will also be able to participate in free daytime tours and nighttime sound and light presentations.

For more information, visit http://www.jewish-quarter.org.il/. For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com.

Contact:
Mark Liebermann at WEILL
E-mail: mliebermann@geoffreyweill.com
Tel: 1-866-PR-WEILL

Gail Barzilay at the Israel Ministry of Tourism
E-mail: gailbarzilay@imot.org
Tel: 212-499-5647

Joe Diaz
Israel Ministry of Tourism - Southern Region
E-mail: joediaz@imot.org
Tel: 404-541-2770

Julie Cooper
Israel Ministry of Tourism - Midwest Region
E-mail: juliec@imot.org
Tel: 312-803-7077

Dan Manor
Israel Ministry of Tourism - Western Region
E-mail: danm@imot.org
Tel: 323-658-7463