The menorah, a candelabrum with seven branches, is the national symbol of the state of Israel and one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith Mazar said: We have been making significant finds from the First Temple Period in this area, a much earlier time in Jerusalem's history, so discovering a golden seven-branched Menorah from the seventh century CE at the foot of the Temple Mount was a complete surprise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the treasure a magnificent discovery. He also said, It attests to the ancient Jewish presence and to the sanctity of this place ... This is historic testimony, of the highest order, to the Jewish people's link to Jerusalem, to its land and to its heritage.