Who are Times of Israel?The Times of Israel (ToI) is an Israeli-based, primarily English-language digital newspaper that covers developments in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world. Founded in 2012 by veteran journalist David Horovitz and American billionaire investor Seth Klarman, the publication has quickly grown into one of the most widely read and respected sources for news from the region.
Where is Israel?Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Middle East. Located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest.
Where is Awarta?Awarta is a Palestinian town located 8 kilometers (5 mi) southeast of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. Awarta was an important Samaritan center between the 4th and the 12th century and housed one of their major synagogues. It is home to several holy sites revered by Samaritans, Jews and Muslims, the most well-known include:
1. Phinehas: Grandson of Aaron (son of Eleazar), whose traditional burial site at the Hill of Phinehas is the most prominent landmark in Awarta.
2. Eleazar: Son of Aaron the High Priest. His traditional tomb (al-Azeir) is situated on a hill in the village.
3. Ithamar: Son of Aaron, also believed to be buried in the town.
4. Abishua: Son of Phinehas, revered especially in Samaritan tradition as the author of the Abisha Scroll (Torah).
5. The 70 Elders: Traditional accounts hold that the seventy elders who assisted Moses are buried in a cave near the tomb of Phinehas.
6. Ezra the Scribe / Nabi Uzeir: A site on the western side of the town is attributed by local Muslim tradition to Nabi Uzeir (Ezra).
7. Mufaddal: According to historical Samaritan chronicles, the son of Aaron's uncle is also recorded as being entombed in the area.