By GUY LAMOLINARA
For Gen. Amir Drori, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), "Scrolls from the Dead Sea" is more than just a display of some of the oldest manuscripts ever discovered.
The exhibition is a response to "the huge interest built up in the public imagination [that I hope] will be satisfied by this display." The general's remarks were delivered during a reception marking the official opening of the exhibition, held April 28.
Between 550 and 600 people crowded into the Library's Montpelier Room to celebrate the event. "Shalom," said Gen. Drori in welcoming the members of Congress, IAA officials, Library staffers and other invited guests. "We invite you all to the Hold Land to see" the area from which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. "We plan to increase the excavation work in the Dead Sea area," he added.
Mark Talisman, head of the Project Judaica Foundation, the major source of funds for the exhibition," offered words of praise for Dr. Billington. "He has met all our hopes and dreams regarding the opening at our national library."
He also thanked Irene Burnham, interpretive programs officer, and Norma Baker, acting director of development, for their contributions. "It all happened fast and well," he said.
Mr. Talisman called the exhibition catalog, edited by the IAA's Ayala Sussmann and Ruth Peled, "not simply a catalog but a very important piece of literature. And he acknowledged "my friend Elie Wiesel," the Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist.
"He and [exhibition curator] Michael Grunberger had a long disputation, so the exhibit is working already."