The Pool of Siloam, a biblical site revered by Christians and Jews, will soon be opened to public visitors for the first time in 2,000 years.
“The Pool of Siloam’s excavation is highly significant to Christians around the world,” John Hagee, an American pastor and founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, told Fox News Digital. “It was at this site that Jesus healed the blind man (John:9), and it is at this site that, 2,000 years ago, Jewish pilgrims cleansed themselves prior to entering the Second Temple.”
The Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday that the City of David Foundation will begin excavating the Pool of Siloam and open it to the public.
Constructed roughly 2,700 years ago, the Pool of Siloam is an archaeological and historical site in the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem, within the area of the Jerusalem Walls National Park. During the reign of King Hezekiah, the pool was constructed as part of the Jerusalem water system.
“The Pool of Siloam and the Pilgrimage Road, both located within the City of David, are among the most inspiring archeological affirmations of the Bible,” said Hagee.
“The Pool of Siloam in the City of David National Park in Jerusalem is a site of historic, national and international significance,” said Jerusalem’s Mayor Moshe Lion. “After many years of anticipation, we will soon merit being able to uncover this important site and make it accessible to the millions of visitors visiting Jerusalem each year.”
For several years, a small section of the pool has been fully excavated and accessible to the public. The archeological project now plans to fully excavate the pool. The project will span several years, but there is a plan to allow space for visitors to view the ongoing excavation.
“One of most significant sites affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage — not simply as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact — with significance to billions around the world, will be made fully accessible for the first time in 2,000 years,” said Ze’ev Orenstein, the director of international affairs for the City of David Foundation in Jerusalem.
A press release from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “In the first stage, visitors will be able to observe the archaeological excavations, and in the coming months the Pool of Siloam will be opened for tourist access, as part of a route that will begin at the southernmost point of the City of David and culminate at the footsteps of the Western Wall.”