At the start of a war on October 7, NLI's conservation team quickly packed up the treasures displayed in the permanent exhibition to store them in a secure location.  The major celebrations planned for mid-October and the public events after were not held. 

In November, the William Davidson Permanent Exhibition Gallery opened to the public with facsimiles on display. In time for the Hanukkah break, it was decided to reinstall almost all of the treasures and launch tours which became overbooked, as the family activities tickets were sold out within hours of going online. 

In anticipation of the NLI opening, a special volume was published, "101 Treasure from the National Library of Israel" showcasing over 1,500 years of historical items. Having had the impressive work since June, only a few guests have had the opportunity to marvel at the content and quality. Saving a review for the time of the grand opening been too long a time. 

From the huge NLI collections, authors Raquel Ukeles, Hazi Amiur, Yoel Finkelman, Stefan Litt, and Samuel Thrope have thematically presented precious items from 5th century Bavel to modern Tel Aviv. The decision to present thematically, not chronologically was intentional according to the NLI Head of Collections of Ukeles. Further, she offers, that the stories should show the dynamic ongoing dialogue of the cultures around us. 

Using this format selected manuscripts, books, periodicals, archives, maps, posters, photographs, music, and recent digital acquisitions are presented in a hardcover bound volume on quality paper. Highlights include Maimoides' autographed copy of the Mishneh Torah, the "Damascus Crowns," and an important 10th-century Chumash codex which are also on exhibit in the NLI. The colorful images and photographs have carefully written text for the reader to learn about diverse people and topics.

“Throughout the decades, one thing has been clear: This is a dynamic institution intended not simply to house books but to have them used by people. Our users are central to our purpose and we are gratified to present them with a space that will both allow them to read and research in comfort and will conserve and preserve the material they need for centuries to come,” Oren Weinberg, CEO of the National Library of Israel.  

For those not able to come to Yerushalayim, as NLI chairman Sallai Meridor said to see what "took 131 years to complete," the first book of its own in 130 years is available with 101 treasures for all to see.  

ISBN: 9781785514135 Scala Arts Publisher Hardcover, 340 pages US$60

The video was taken on a tour held in the summer with the anticipation of the grand opening on October 17, and public parties planned a short time afterward.