Today, Sunday May 14, 2006, the Negev Archaeological Center of the Antiquities Authority will host more than 90 members of Akim and their counselors from the south of the country. The event will take place between the hours of 17:30 – 19:30, in the offices of the Southern Region of the Antiquities Authority, on Hatzav Street, in Omer. The hospitality will include an experiential day in honor of Lag B’Omer, which will combine workshops in ancient crafts and activity around a bonfire. The workshops will include jewelry making as it was done in antiquity, decorating and painting pottery vessels, the preparation of scrolls and writing in ancient Hebrew script on parchment, and making a model menorah out of mosaic stones set in clay etc. At the conclusion of the handicraft activities all of the participants will gather around the bonfire to celebrate Lag B’Omer and to enjoy community singing, preparing pita bread on a saj and baked potatoes.
 
Orit Aflalo, director of the Negev Archaeological Center, said that this will be an experiential day that will incorporate learning about the ancient world. “The members will be introduced to daily life as it was in antiquity and to the archaeologist’s work and excavations in the field. They will also receive an explanation about the archaeological finds and will be able to see them from close up.”
 
Shuka Dorfman, director-general of the Antiquities Authority, said that the Antiquities Authority considers it extremely important to contribute to the community and enable people with special needs to become familiar with the ancient world by means of an experiential day accompanied by meaningful activities.