State Medal - Nazareth ND

Reverse

A section of an inscription on marble dating from the 4th century discovered in Caesarea. Inscribed on the section is the fact that the 18th of the priestly watches that served in the temple came from Nazareth. This archeological discovery proves the Jewish character of Nazareth during the early centuries of C.E. On the rim, the legend "The 18th course Hapizzes Nazareth" in Hebrew and English.

Lettering:
משמרת שמונה עשרה הפיצץ נצרת
THE 18TH COUSRE HAPIZZES NAZARETH

Engravers: Tidhar Dagan, Jacob Anidi

Edge

The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English.

Lettering: STATE OF ISRAEL מדינת ישראל

Comment

During its first centuries, Nazareth was inhabited by Jews only. Over the generations, its Christian population grew because of its sacred significance for them. At the end of the 12th century and in the wake of the wars that followed, the city was destroyed by the Moslem conquerors. It was only in 1620 that Amir Fachat permitted the Franciscan monks to build churches and monasteries there. Today Nazareth is filled with shrines attracting Christian pilgrims, among them the "Church of Annunciation", the largest among Catholic churches in the Middle East.