2,000-year-old ‘Freedom of Zion’ coin unearthed in Jerusalem stuns Milei
“The roots of Judaism and Christianity, followed today by billions of people around the world, originate right here — from Jerusalem.”
Argentina President Javier Milei received a 2,000-year-old coin from the Second Temple period, dated to 67 CE during the Jewish Great Revolt, during a festive ceremony at the City of David National Park in Jerusalem on Thursday.
The rare coin, bearing the ancient Hebrew inscription “For the Freedom of Zion,” was presented to Milei as a symbolic gift recognizing his commitment to Israel and the Jewish people.
At the event, the Government of Argentina presented the City of David with a commemorative plaque highlighting the deep connection between the Argentine nation, the people of Israel, and Jerusalem. Argentina is now the second country to place such a plaque at the site, following a similar dedication by the United States in 2020.
During the ceremony, President Milei declared, “The continued uncovering of history here and the future development of this city are of the utmost international importance.”
He added: “The values upon which the Republic is founded — justice and liberty — were born here thousands of years ago. Today, we have the privilege of walking in the light of those same values... The roots of Judaism and Christianity, followed today by billions of people around the world, originate right here — from Jerusalem. This place is essentially the foundation of the entire world.”
Importance of Argentina's support of Israel
Israel Prize laureate and City of David Chairman David Be’eri emphasized the global importance of the event: “Especially in these times, as antisemitism is on the rise and the historical connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem is being denied, the declaration by the Government of Argentina carries great significance. This important declaration, along with the recognition by the United States of the importance of the City of David in Jerusalem, serves as a moral and ethical compass for the entire world.”The unveiled plaque reads:“In the City of David, the site of Biblical Jerusalem, where history and faith merge, we honor the eternal aspiration for liberty and justice. King David declared this city as the ultimate symbol of these values, a testimony to unwavering faith in God. President Javier Milei has bravely defended the value of liberty, while celebrating the deep historical and ancestral ties with Israel. From this sacred place, we lift our prayers to the Creator, asking for wisdom, courage, and restraint for the President of Argentina, and blessings of prosperity for all his people.”
The delegation accompanying President Milei included Argentina's Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, Presidential Secretary Karina Milei, Argentina's Ambassador to Israel Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, and his wife. Also in attendance were Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar and City of David Chairman David Be’eri.
President Milei’s visit had originally been postponed due to health reasons, but was rescheduled for Thursday. His remarks and the commemorative gestures underscored his administration’s support for Israel and its historical heritage, positioning Argentina among the strongest allies of the Jewish state.
