7th Century Synagogue Discovered by Antiquities Thieves

A mosaic seized from Palestinian antiquities thieves appears to have been cut from the floor of a previously unknown synagogue that dates back to the 7th century, archaeologist Amir Ganor said Tuesday.

The piece of mosaic, measuring 60 centimeters by one meter, has Jewish insignia, including the words in Hebrew for “Peace Unto Israel,” part of a Jewish candelabra, and palm branches.

The mosaic, which strongly resembles a similar one at the Jericho synagogue, was stolen from the ruins of a synagogue in the area of Ramallah.