Groundbreaking research at the Boker Tachtit site in Ein Avdat National Park in the Negev Desert published this week provides the first proof that Neanderthals and modern humans coexisted, and pinpoints the time when modern humans left Africa – 50,000 years ago.

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In the period known as the Middle Palaeolithic, 250,000–50,000 years ago, two humanoid species overlapped: the Neanderthals, Homo sapiens. Neanderthals lived in Europe and Central Asia, whereas modern man lived in Africa. The Middle East, and the region of Israel in particular, were at the limits of the distribution of these two species and they therefore also contain remnants of the two populations at different times.

The new researched, published in the prestigious scientific journal PNAS, is led by Professor Elisabetta Boaretto of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Dr. Omry Barzilai of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Genetic studies have shown that modern humans and Neanderthals encountered each other in the geographical region of Eurasia (which includes Israel) and even exchanged genes. But until now, the exact time and place of these encounters have remained unknown.

"Boker Tachtit is the first known site reached by modern man outside Africa, which is why the site and its precise dating are so important," said Barzilai, who directs the excavation at the Boker Tachtit site on behalf of the IAA.

"The dating of the site to 50,000 years ago proves that modern man lived in the Negev at the same time as Neanderthal man, who we know inhabited the region in the same period. There is no doubt that, as they dwelt in and moved around the Negev, the two species were aware of each other's existence. Our research on the Boker Tachtit site places an important, well-defined reference point on the timeline of human evolution," Barzilai said.

DNA studies show that about 60,000 years ago, groups of modern humans began to migrate from Africa to Asia and Europe and from there to the rest of the world, which ultimately led to the disappearance of Neanderthals and their assimilation into the modern human population. The research hypothesized that along the migration routes, there was short-term interactions between the ancient peoples and cultures that included genetic exchange. The present study is the first to confirm this hypothesis, proving that at least one of these intercultural encounters occurred in the Negev some 50,000 years ago.

"What was the nature of the encounter we have identified between the two human species? Did Neanderthals throughout the country become naturally extinct, merging with modern man, or did they disappear in violent ways? These questions will continue to concern us as researchers in the coming years," Barzilai concluded.

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The Sigd holiday honors the Jewish migration from Ethiopia and their longing to return to the biblical Zion. The day consists of fasting, prayers, repentance, and calls for unity, and ends with festive foods.

The ceremony began on Wednesday morning at the Armon Hanatziv promenade in Jerusalem, where a large prayer gathering took place and the traditional breaking of the fast was held.

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Several Israeli lawmakers were in attendance, including Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein and Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev, among others. Several local community leaders, as well as members of youth organizations and soldiers, also attended the event.

For the third year, the festival was hosted by the Culture and Sport Ministry, the Center for the Legacy of Ethiopian Jewry and the Kessim Association.

For many years, the holiday was observed in Ethiopia by going to the mountains 50 days after Yom Kippur, where members of the community would pray and fast. At the end of the service, leaders would break Dabu bread that symbolizes the bread served in the Temple in Jerusalem and was followed by traditional singing and dancing.

Most Ethiopian Jews today live in Israel, although there is still a population left in Ethiopia. The Sigd festival is traditionally celebrated at the Sherover Promenade, which is in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem and has a view of Mount Moriah where the Jewish Temple once stood. Many worshippers don traditional white clothing and carry colorful umbrellas during the prayer service.

"I welcome the transformation of the Sigd holiday into a state holiday that marks the strong and long-standing relationship of the Beta Israel community to the God of Israel and Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. ... Today, more and more Ethiopian-Israelis are to be found in key positions in Israeli society and we will continue to work to ensure that this trend grows stronger," said Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev.

Dr. Simcha Gathon, a member of the Board of the Center for the Legacy of Ethiopian Jewry commended the Ethiopian community for holding on to its traditions.

"Even today, with their immigration to Israel, they continue their tradition and prayers, and continue to commemorate this holy day with fasting and prayer for the sake of Zion, of Jerusalem. ... We invite the public to share with us this special day at the Armon Hanatziv promenade in Jerusalem in order to enable the main prayer service to be conducted in a proper and dignified manner," he said.

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In the heated debate alongside former Israeli Ambassador to France Daniel Shek, Hopkins stood by the claim, as explored in her new documentary "Homelands," that it is the Muslims who are "forcing the Jews out of Western Europe," as well as "her own population."

She went on to confirm a previous statement comparing African migrants to cockroaches, but recast the remark claiming she was referring to their "enduring nature."

"It is absolutely a fact," she told the Spin Room's Ami Kaufman, adding that she made the reference "specifically because we're taught that the only animal that could survive a nuclear holocaust is a cockroach."

"I was referring to the enduring nature of migrants across the [Mediterranean Sea region] and I don't regret one word of that column," she continued.

Hopkins is currently in Israel for the premiere of her documentary this week. On her visit, she has expressed a strong love for the Jewish State and its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

When asked if she believed a two-state solution with the Palestinians could be possible she responded, "never."

"There will never be peace in Israel until you remove the people who don't belong there," she said.

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