Only two of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls are presently on display at the Israel Museum. The rest have been withdrawn until leak-proof helium-filled display cases can be manufactured, according to Dr. Magen Broshi, curator of the Shrine of the Book. The helium is required to preserve the ancient parchments.
Dr. Broshi said the cases had been manufactured by a firm in England which has gone out of business and the Museum is looking for a new manufacturer. Visitors to the Museum may see the Habakuk Commentary, which is in a helium-filled glass case, and the Manual of Discipline parchment, which is in good condition and does not presently require helium protection.
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