An upgrade. The Knesset's Menorah.
צילום: חנניה הרמן, לע"מ
Knesset's Menorah sculpture to relocate
Recent security issues prompt Knesset to consider relocating one of Israel's most recognizable international symbols onto government grounds. Current location isn't ideal, says Knesset director-general
The famous Menorah sculpture standing outside the Knesset building in Jerusalem is to be relocated, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.
Created by Jewish-British sculptor Benno Elkan and considered one of Israel's most recognizable international symbols, the Menorah was given to Israel by the British parliament in the 1950s and has been standing in Jerusalem's Rose Garden since 1966.
According to the report, it was recently discovered that this staple of Jerusalem tourism is technically not within the city's jurisdiction, but rather under the Knesset's, making it subject to the Knesset Guard's security protocols and restrictions, even though it's not on actual Knesset grounds.
Given the site's popularity, the Knesset has decided to look into relocating the sculpture into the Knesset grounds themselves, which are just across the street from the Rose Garden.
Should the relocation materialize, it will allow the Knesset Guard to make sure both the sculpture and its visitor are properly secured.
The new Menorah compound will be located near the Knesset's archeological garden; and its construction will be sponsored by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
"The way things stand now, the Menorah is located in the middle of the garden… it's not very visible and it's a problem to provide it with the proper security," said Knesset Director-General Avi Balashnikov.
"If we relocate it we will be able to give it the right lighting, exposure and protection it deserves."
