A cross medallion was recently discovered in the Ein Karem neighborhood of Jerusalem, a site revered in Christian tradition. Unearthed by a 10-year-old student during a class trip, the artifact provides a unique glimpse into the devotion of pilgrims who visited the Holy Land hundreds of years ago.

Ten year old Nehorai Nir recently went on a class trip to the neighborhood, where he made the discovery of a lifetime.

“We were picking edible plants, and I was surprised to see on the slope below me a beautiful red pomegranate lying there on the ground,” Nir recounts. “I ran to pick it up and discovered a worm inside, so I reluctantly put it down — but on the way back up the hill I suddenly saw a colorful object shining in the dirt. I pulled it out and was immediately very excited. The staff told me to call the Israel Antiquities Authority, and when they came, they too were very excited.”

The medallion, featuring intricate craftsmanship with glass and colorful stones, is believed to date back to the 19th or early 20th century. It highlights the artistic techniques developed in Rome around 1800 and later adopted elsewhere.

Found in an area associated with the biblical account of John the Baptist's birth, the artifact underscores Ein Karem's historical significance as a pilgrimage site. Christian tradition identifies the neighborhood as the location where Mary, the mother of Jesus, met Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

Echoes of a pilgrim's journey

Ein Karem’s prominence in Christian heritage is marked by its churches — the Church of the Visitation and the Church of Saint John — which have drawn pilgrims for generations.

“This cross is a testament to the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Karem 100–200 years ago, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Land to the three monotheistic religions,” said Dr. Re’em of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “People were willing to cross deserts, mountains, and seas, often over the course of years, just to touch the soil where it all began.”