The Israel Antiquities Authority has received a gift from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation in Cleveland to build a library and archaeological archive in Jerusalem, the Jewish Press reports.

When completed, the Mandel National Library for the Archaeology of Israel and Mandel National Archaeological Archives will house nearly two million archaeological objects, including fifteen thousand Dead Sea scrolls, as well as conservation and restoration laboratories, an auditorium, special study galleries, and an archaeological education center. To be located next to the Israel Museum on the Schottenstein National Campus for the Archeology of Israel and designed by renowned Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, the largest archeological library in the Middle East is scheduled to open in 2016.

"We see the Mandel National Library for the Archeology of Israel and Mandel Archives as a unique magnet and beacon for archeological, historical, and Israel studies — a center of learning, research, and knowledge," IAA director-general Shuka Dorfman told the Jerusalem Post. "The campus is the largest and most important project to be established in Jerusalem this decade. Through its generosity, the Mandel Foundation has helped preserve and make more accessible archeology and the cultural heritage of the Land of Israel."

"We welcome the opportunity to support the Antiquities Authority in its mission to excavate, research, conserve, and educate the public about the archeological and historical heritage of the Land of Israel spanning the past ten thousand years," said Morton L. Mandel, the foundation's chairman and CEO. "We hope the Mandel National Library for the Archaeology of Israel and the Mandel Archives will serve as a source of inspiration and learning for the public at large and for today’s leaders as they explore the past of the Land of Israel."

(Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority)