When David Be'eri (David'le), commander of an elite military unit, first visited the City of David in the mid-1980s, the city was in such a state of disrepair and neglect that the former excavations that had been conducted in the area were once again concealed beneath garbage and waste. Inspired by the incredible archaeological significance of the site, and the longing of the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem after 2,000 years, David'le left his army career to establish the Ir David Foundation.

 

The Ir David Foundation is committed to continuing King David’s legacy as well as revealing and connecting people to Ancient Jerusalem’s glorious past through four key initiatives: archaeological excavation, tourism development, educational programming and residential revitalization.

 

The Foundation runs activities at three historic sites in Ancient Jerusalem: The City of David National Park, Armon Hanatziv, and the Mount of Olives, bringing hundred of thousands of  visitors to its gates every year.  

 

Currently, the Israel Antiquities Authority is excavating three sites in the City of David, sponsored by the Ir David Foundation: “Givati”, the “Spring House”, and the “Herodian Road”. As excavations are completed, the area is opened to tourism to further deepen visitors’ understanding of its monumental past.  Additional educational programming geared towards Israeli students, adults and soldiers reconnects them to their history and heritage.