A historic visit, the first, to an institution over a hundred years old as is the Écolé Biblique Française, in Jerusalem. On Thursday, January 23rd, the archaeological school of the Dominican Fathers, which this year celebrates an important milestone, opened its doors to the French President, Emmanuel Macron. Fr JEAN-JACQUES PÉRENNÈS Director École biblique et archéologique française of Jerusalem "The School was founded 130 years ago by Father Lagrange but for one hundred years, since 1920, it has been recognized by France as a French archaeological school. This is why it has been very important for us: because it highlights the link between biblical research and all the sciences useful for the knowledge of the Bible: history, geography, epigraphy, etc.." Religious, professors and students were able to meet and interact with the French President. An intense hour of exchange, in which Macron, as the director, Fr. Jean Jacques, said, "was very attentive and extremely interested". F JEAN-JACQUES PÉRENNÈS Director École biblique et archéologique française of Jerusalem "We presented him what is the Bible school, including Bible studies, all the work done by the students here in ancient languages, history, archaeology, field knowledge... And he is a man of culture, he is a very interested man and at the end of the hour spent with the teachers, and the Dominican fathers, I told him: "well, we would have liked to show you the library but you are in a hurry". But he said, "no, no let's see the library". We visited the library together, and the research program The Bible, which is an online digital Bible." In a friendly atmosphere, the French President wanted to express his admiration for the archaeological school which has been carrying out important research work in the study of the Bible and archaeology in the Holy Land for over a hundred years, and he wanted to leave an important message to those present. F JEAN-JACQUES PÉRENNÈS Director École biblique et archéologique française of Jerusalem "Culture is a mediator of the meeting. In a country torn by conflicts, in a city important for the 3 monotheistic religions, culture is a vehicle that allows people to meet each other." Read More