A SEVENTH-CENTURY SYNAGOGUE appears to have been discovered by looters in Ramallah:

Mosaic thought to be from ancient West Bank synagogue confiscated from Palestinians

By LAURIE COPANS (Associated Press Writer)
Associated Press
02/07/2006


JERUSALEM - A mosaic seized from Palestinian antiquities thieves appears to have been cut from the floor of a previously unknown synagogue that dates back to the 7th century, an archaeologist said Tuesday.

If the ruins of the synagogue do exist, it would be a significant find because archaeologists know of few such Jewish sanctuaries from the period, when Muslims ruled the area, said Amir Ganor, an archaeologist who also serves as an investigator for an authority that prevents antiquities thefts.

The work of art has Jewish insignia, including the words in Hebrew for "Peace Unto Israel," part of a Jewish candelabra and palm branches, Ganor said. Tests have proven almost without a doubt that the mosaic is authentic and dates back to the 7th century, he said. Only a few more tests are needed to confirm its authenticity, Ganor said.

"This is a very significant find, because we know of only one synagogue from this period, in (the West Bank town of) Jericho," Ganor said.

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