Hail Caesarea!

Regarding “Caesarea – An ancient site unveils new points of interest” (July 11), while I do enjoy Linda Gradstein’s travel articles (and am usually envious of where she gets to go!) I must take issue with her recent overview of Caesarea.

Yes, the new visitors’ center is beautiful and certainly well air-conditioned but the new movie is a flop. Vered Sarig-Cohen asserts, “It took a lot of guts to make the movie the way it is.” I wholeheartedly disagree. This is the same old portrayal of Herod as a paranoid megalomaniac that we have been treated to for years. Instead of a more nuanced look at a (very) flawed but accomplished personality, we get cheap shots at Herod’s family life.

For a much more interesting portrayal and a real use of technology to show the glory of the past, visitors would be better served traveling out to Gush Etzion to see the newly renovated theater at the Herodion. Linda, I would love to guide you there!

In addition, a true gem of Caesarea was left out of the article: the Caesarea Ralli Art Museum. Fascinating, beautiful and best of all, free!

SHULIE MISHKIN Alon Shvut, Israel