Ancient Stalactite Cave Accidentally Discovered Near Jerusalem

Lea Speyer : Sep 29, 2014
Breaking Israel News

"Stalactites and stalagmites are a natural phenomenon protected by law. That is why, at this stage, we will be barring entrance to the cave, other than for the researchers who will be entering to work there." -Uri Naveh, Nature and Parks Authority

A large stalactite and stalagmite cave was recently discovered in an undisclosed location in the foothills of Jerusalem, it was announced Saturday.

Described as "huge," the cave was discovered during construction occurring in the area. Officials of the Nature and Parks Authority are working alongside a team from Hebrew University’s Cave Research Unit to explore and map out the cavern.

The location is purposely being kept secret by authorities to make sure the public does not enter the cave before officials can determine how to preserve the ancient cave and its formations.

The use of secrecy when announcing such a rare geological find was used some 50 years ago when the world famous Avshalom stalactite cave, located outside Beit Shemesh, was first found.

...The newly discovered cave was found by chance when construction workers blasted open the side of a mountain. The same story applies to the Avshalom cave, which was uncovered in May 1968. The Avshalom cave covers an area of 5,000 square-meters. Some of the formations are as long as four meters and several of the stalagmites and stalactites have met, thereby forming stone pillars.

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