11 Days After the Earthquake in Turkey, an Ancient Book of Esther Was Found in the Rubble.
Lieutenant Colonel Haim Otmazgin holding the ancient Book of Esther. (Photo: ZAKA).
While searching for survivors in the rubble of Antakya, Hatay Province, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, rescue teams discovered an ancient Book of Esther that had been preserved for centuries. A middle-aged man held the book and handed it to the rescue team leader, Lieutenant Colonel Haim Otmazgin.
“Our Jewish community leader was lost in the recent earthquake. This book is the only way for people to remember this community. Please protect it at all costs,” the man said, choked with emotion.
After receiving the book, Lieutenant Colonel Haim Otmazgin discussed with Jewish emissaries from other regions about who should be entrusted with this responsibility. “As a ZAKA volunteer, this is one of the most emotional moments of my life. I am truly honored to hold such an important historical document and to be entrusted with the task of preserving the heritage of the Jewish community in Antakya,” Lieutenant Colonel Otmazgin stated.
Prior to this, the ZAKA rescue team had discovered the bodies of Saul Cenudioglu, the head of the Jewish community in Antakya, Turkey. Cenudioglu and his wife, Fortuna, were both found in the rubble of their home. Fortuna’s body was also identified by the same group of volunteers and soldiers.
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The Book of Esther is part of the Jewish Tanakh. The book explains the origins of the Jewish holiday Purim. The Prime Minister Haman plotted to use King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) to annihilate all the Jews in Persia. However, this plan was foiled by Esther (later the Queen of Persia) and her brother Mordecai. Ultimately, Haman was hanged. The people celebrate Purim to honor the contributions of Esther and her brother. There is no documentation proving the author and the time of the Book of Esther’s creation. However, the events in this book are believed to have occurred when the Jews lived in Persia after being exiled from Jerusalem. Most researchers suggest that the events recorded in the Book of Esther took place between 482 and 478 BCE. |
