CEO of the City of David and Israel Prize winner David Be'eri said after her death:

"The connection of Eilat to the City of David dates back to her youth when she accompanied her late grandfather, the late Prof. Benjamin Mazar, one of the greatest scholars of Jerusalem, in his excavations here.

 

She participated as an excavator in Dr. Yigal Shiloh's excavation expedition that uncovered the Royal Quarter of ancient Jerusalem in the City of David.

 

Eilat's love for Jerusalem led her to focus on excavations in the city and thanks to that passion, the whole world was exposed to a variety of amazing finds of international importance, including the large stone structure identified by Mazar as David’s Palace, the Jerusalem Wall from the First Temple period, and her most prominent find - the seal of King Hezekiah.

 

Eilat was a brilliant, original, daring researcher who stuck to her work and did not shy away from criticism. She always stood by her principles and believed in herself to the end.

 

I remember the phone call late at night, when she called me about discovering the seal of one of King Zedekiah's ministers. She was gripped by excitement. She was so happy about having the privilege of being part of revealing findings that correspond exactly with the verses of the Bible and to see with her own eyes the Bible being brought to life.

 

Eilat will forever be remembered as a pioneer standing shoulder to shoulder with the greatest scholars of Jerusalem throughout the ages. May her memory be a blessing."

 

In the photo: Dr. Mazar presents the President with the seal of King Hezekiah during President Rivlin's visit to the "Palace of David" excavations in the City of David. Photo: Yonit Schiller

Second photo reproduction: Koby Harati, City of David