Israel-Hamas War Delays Opening of New National Library of Israel in Jerusalem
The launch of the new National Library of Israel (NLI) campus in Jerusalem has been delayed indefinitely due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Situated at the intersection of Ruppin Boulevard and Kaplan Street, the facility was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Established in 1892, the library boasts the largest collection of Jewish texts globally, along with important Islamic artifacts. Among its treasures are the Keter Damesek, a unique Torah scroll, Maimonides' manuscript, a first edition of the Babylonian Talmud, the Rothschild Haggadah, a nearly thousand-year-old Quran, and an 11th-century manuscript of Avicenna's Book of Healing. Additionally, the war has resulted in the deaths of 260 young Israelis at the Supernova Music Festival on October 7, prompting closures of the Tel Aviv Museum and Israel Museum.
Key facts
- Opening of new National Library of Israel campus postponed due to Israel-Hamas war.
- Building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, located at Ruppin Boulevard and Kaplan Street in Jerusalem.
- Library founded in 1892 by Zionist movement; holds largest collection of Jewish material and major Islamic collection.
- Notable holdings: Keter Damesek, Maimonides manuscript, first edition Babylonian Talmud, Rothschild Haggadah, ancient Quran, Avicenna manuscript.
- 260 young Israelis killed at Supernova Music Festival on October 7.
- Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Israel Museum in Jerusalem announce temporary or indefinite closures.
- Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto hosts 'Being and Belonging' exhibition; alters label for Sama Alshaibi's work after complaint.
- Sydney Opera House lit in blue and white; Palestinian protesters burn Israeli flag.
- In Qatar, Palestinian flag projected on Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum; Qatari mediators negotiate hostage release.
Entities
Artists
- Sama Alshaibi
- Maimonides
- Avicenna (Abu Ali Ibn Sina)
Institutions
- National Library of Israel
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Tel Aviv Museum of Art
- Israel Museum
- Royal Ontario Museum
- HonestReporting Canada
- Sydney Opera House
- Museum of Islamic Art (Qatar)
- National Museum of Qatar
- Reuters
- Artribune
Locations
- Jerusalem
- Israel
- Negev desert
- Toronto
- Canada
- Sydney
- Australia
- Qatar