Just days after it was returned to public display for the first time since the 1960s, the Great Isaiah Scroll was placed under special protective shielding as war with Iran erupted and missile sirens sounded across Israel.

Acting under the Israel Museum’s emergency protocol, staff rushed on Saturday morning to the Shrine of the Book to secure the 2,100-year-old manuscript, the most complete and earliest known biblical text ever discovered. Curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls Hagit Maoz told The Press Service of Israel exclusively that the team had prepared in advance for such a scenario.

Home Front Command has placed restrictions on public gatherings during the war, and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem is closed until further notice.