Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2007
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Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2007

  • 12/26/2006
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    Recent Israel Antiquities Authority excavations in the area of Binyanei Haouma in Jerusalem (Sept-Nov 2006) revealed remains dating to the Second Temple period and the time when the Tenth Roman Legion was stationed in Jerusalem.
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    INTRODUCTION

    This list of archaeological expeditions which accept volunteers is compiled by the Israel Foreign Ministry as a service to the public. The excavation details below been published by the archaeologists in charge of the individual expeditions, who bear responsibility for their contents.

    NOTE: Any questions, comments or requests for additional information must be directed to the contact person indicated for each project, and not to the Israel Foreign Ministry.


    VOLUNTEERING

    Many archaeologists enlist volunteer help on their digs, as volunteers are highly motivated and wish to learn and gain experience, although the work is often difficult and tedious. Usually, no previous experience is necessary. The work includes digging, shovelling, hauling baskets of earth and sherds, cleaning pottery sherds and more. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Israel.

    ACCOMMODATION

    Accommodations for volunteers can range from sleeping bags in the field, to rooms in hostels or kibbutzim, to 3-star hotels near a site. Each expedition has its own accommodation arrangements.

    There is usually a charge for food and lodging, although on some excavations these are free. All charges listed are in US dollars. Volunteers who require kosher food should inquire in advance. Excavations conducted in or near a city often require volunteers to find their own accommodations.

    CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

    Volunteers should have comfortable, sturdy clothes for heavy work. Sunhats are absolutely compulsory in summer; warm clothing is suggested for summer evenings as the weather can be cool. Winters are wet and cold; warm clothes and water-proof boots are necessary.

    Equipment that may be useful - depending on the conditions at the site and the type of accommodation available - includes work-gloves, sleeping bag, canteen, towels and sunscreen lotion.

    WORK HOURS

    The work schedule at an excavation is organized according to the conditions at the site. A day on an average dig begins before dawn and ends after noon. There is normally a rest period after lunch. The afternoons and early evenings may be devoted to lectures, additional excavation work, cleaning and sorting of pottery and other finds, or they may be free.

    CREDIT COURSES

    Some expeditions offer credit courses from sponsoring institutions. Details concering subjects, conditions and cost may be obtained by contacting the expedition director.

    LECTURES

    Most expedition directors (or other staff members) offer informal lectures covering the history and archaeology of the site and discussion of the type of work involved. Volunteers should feel free to request information regarding an excavation in order to be able to appreciate all aspects of the work.

    RECREATION AND TRIPS

    Recreational facilities (swimming pools, beaches and sporting grounds) may be available, depending on the location of the site. Most expeditions organize sightseeing and field trips to sites in the area and to neighboring museums.

    INSURANCE

    In most cases, volunteers must arrange for medical and accident insurance in advance. Even in instances when accident insurance is provided, it is strongly advised that volunteers come fully insured as the insurance offered is minimal.

    APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

    When applying to the director of an excavation you should indicate any previous studies you may have in archaeology or related fields, such as anthropology, architecture, geography, surveying, graphic arts; or experience in excavation work, pottery restoration or photography.

    For registration, please contact the persons listed in the individual entries. Please note that a registration fee is often required.

    Note: Israel Ministry of Interior regulations require that passports of all volunteers (other than Israeli) be stamped with a volunteer visa (B4). This request should be made by the volunteer at the point of entry into Israel.


    Israel Antiquities Authority - Programs for organized groups

     


    EXCAVATIONS 2007
    (Listed by starting date)

    Note: This is a preliminary list. Additional digs will be added as the information becomes available.

    Mount Zion (Area E) March 5 - 31
    Bethsaida May 27 - July 8
    Yotvata June 3 - 30
    Zeitah June 8 - July 14
    Tel Bet Yerah June 17 - July 26
    Tel Hazor June 24 - August 3
    Tel Tsaf June 24 - August 2
    Tel Rehov June 25 - August 2
    Tel Dor

    June 26 - July 28

    Hippos (Sussita) July 1 - 26
    Tell es-Safi/Gath

    July 8 - August 3

    Yavneh Yam July 15 - August 10
    Ramat Rahel

    July 29 - August 26

    Ein Gedi

    January 6-January 31 2008

    Note: There will be no excavations at Megiddo in 2007. The next field excavation is scheduled for 2008.

    EIN GEDI Ein Gedi is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, more then 400 m. below sea level. Fresh water springs flow there and have made permanent settlement that lived on irrigation agriculture. Archeological excavations have revealed a Chacolithic Temple (4th millennium BCE), Iron Age settlement (Biblical period), and a Roman-Byzantine period village. Current excavations focus on wall a site 200 metres northwest of the Byzantine period synagogue and village, where ash, pottery and stone vessels typical of the Second Temple period have been found. The expedition also intends to continue looking for the magnificent Hasmonean or Herodian palace awaiting discovery somewhere in Ein Gedi.
    Director: Dr. Gideon Hadas, Kibbutz Ein Gedi. The expedition operates under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 
    Dates: Jan 6-31, 2008
    Accommodation: Ein Gedi youth hostel, 5 people per room.
    Those wishing to set up their own tent will participate in the cost of meals +.
    Accommodation can also be arranged at the Ein Gedi Kibbutz Guest House - eg@ein-gedi.org.il,
    Tel: 972-8-6594222; Fax: 972-8-6584328
    The Kibbutz Guest House is some distance from the excavation site and from the evening activities in the youth hostel. Transport is not normally provided.
    Work hours: Fieldwork is conducted from Mondays through Thursdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Evening lectures and slide shows about the history and archaeology of the area.
    Cost: Youth hostel: $280 room and board per 5-day week (Sunday afternoon 14.00, till Friday morning, 10.00)
    Registration fee: $30 (non-refundable). Returning volunteers exempt.
    Minimum participation: One week
    Application deadline: Dec 1, 2007
    Work hours: Mon.-Thurs. 06:00-13:30.
    Recreation: Touring in Ein Gedi nature reserve, swimming in the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi hot spring spa.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Gideon Hadas, Fax 972-8-6584384; E-mail: gideonhadas@yahoo.com
    Website: For more information and application form see: http://planetnana.co.il/ghadas
     
    MOUNT ZION (AREA E) The only new archaeological excavation within the ancient city of Jerusalem, the Mt. Zion Area E project is being conducted in what had been the wealthy, aristrocratic area of Herodian Jerusalem.
    Directors: James Tabor, Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Shimon Gibson, field archaeologist
    Dates: March 5-31
    Accommodation: Beit Shmuel hotel, Jerusalem
    Cost: $850, per week with reductions for extended stays. The fee includes room and two meals per day. There will also be guided tours of historical sites of Jerusalem by dig directors Gibson and Tabor, and special lectures at no additional cost.
    Application deadline: February 1, 2007
    Minimum stay: One week
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: James D. Tabor Telephone: 704-687-2783 Fax: 704-687-3002
    Email: jdtabor@email.uncc.edu
     
    BETHSAIDA Bethsaida , situated on the north Sea of Galilee was founded in the10th century BCE as the capital city of the biblical kingdom of Geshur. During the Time of Jesus Bethsaida served as the birthplace of three Apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip and a place where Jesus performed many miracles, it is one of the most frequently mentioned towns in the New Testament.
    Directors: Prof. Rami Arav, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Prof. Richard Freund, University of Hartford
    Dates: The excavation is divided into two sessions:
    May 27 - June 17;  June 17 - July 8
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Ginosar, western coast of Sea of Galilee
    Cost: From $467 to $673 per week, according to type of accommodation.
    Registration fee: $200 deposit
    Minimum participation: One week
    Application  deadline: March 23 for session 1; April 6 for session 2
    Academic credit: 3-6 undergraduate ($131.25 per credit hour); University of Nebraska at Omaha
    Work days:

    Monday-Friday
    5:30am - 12:30 pm: Fieldwork
    4:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Lab work and pottery
    8:00pm - 9:00pmL Lecture

    Recreation: Kibbutz Ginosar is located right on the Sea of Galilee, and there is also a swimming pool on the kibbutz. Weekend tours are arranged throughout the season (for an additional charge).
    Insurance: All participants must have health insurance that covers international travel to Israel. Volunteers are encouraged to seek additional traveler's and flight insurance.
    Contact: Bethsaida Excavations Project
    University of Nebraska at Omaha
    International Studies and Programs
    Omaha , NE 68182-0227
    Tel. 402/554-4986; 402/554-3108
    Fax: 402/554-3681
    Email: rarav@mail.unomaha.edu or streynolds@mail.unomaha.edu
    Website: For more information and application form see: http://www.unomaha.edu/bethsaida/
     
    YOTVATA Yotvata is the modern name of an oasis with saline marshes located in Israel’s southern Arava (rift valley), about 25 miles north of Eilat and Aqaba on the Red Sea. The water springs and location made Yotvata a focus for settlement in different periods, with a number of ancient sites located around the oasis. In 2007, we will conduct our fifth season of excavations in the Roman fort at Yotvata.
    Directors: Prof Gwyn Davies, Florida International University (Miami), and Prof Jodi Magness, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Dates: June 3-30
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Lotan guest house: 2 per room, private bathrooms, kitchenette, A/C, pool.
    Cost: The excavation costs $50 per day per participant. This covers room, full board, and transportation for the purposes of the excavation (including all field trips except for an optional, two-day field trip to Mount Sinai in mid-June). Additional cost for academic credit.
    Application deadline: March 15, 2007
    Application fee: $60 (non-refundable)
    Work schedule: Sundays through Fridays: Excavation - 5:30 am - 1 pm. After lunch and a siesta, participants will wash pottery or participate in workshops given by staff members. Two or three nights per week, senior staff members will give lectures.
    Academic credit: Students wishing to receive academic credit may do so through the Hebrew University School for Overseas Students Summer Courses Program (and transfer the credit to their home institution). They must pay tuition and participate for the full 4 weeks, fulfilling the requirements set by Prof Magness.
    Minimum stay: Two weeks
    Minimum age: 18
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Gwyn Davies, Florida International University, Department of History, DM 388A, University Park, Miami, Fl 33199.
    Tel: (305) 348 2974. Fax: (305) 348 3561
    Email: daviesg@fiu.edu
     
    ZEITAH A strategically located "outlying" town, Zeitah (Hebrew "Zayit") lies in the Beth Guvrin Valley, roughly halfway between the Israelite city of Lachish and Tell es Safi (Philistine Gath).
    On the final day of the 2005 season, an inscription that bears the oldest known securely datable example of the linear alphabet. Since the early appearance of literacy at Tel Zayit will play a pivotal role in the current discussion of the archaeology and history of Israel and Judah in the tenth century BCE, in the 2006 season we will concentrate our excavation efforts on the area of the tel in which the stone was found.
    Director: Ron E. Tappy, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    Dates: June 8 - July 14
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Gal-On - hostel-style rooms, A/C.
    Cost for volunteers: Room and board: $1,450 for the full five weeks; $1,240 for four weeks; $990 for three weeks.
    Registration fee: US $25 (non-refundable). Applied toward the total cost charged to volunteers accepted for the excavation.
    Application deadline: May 1, 2007. Early application will give you a better chance of securing a spot.
    Academic program: Students are encouraged to arrange for credit through their home institution. Credit may also be earned through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Course description. Tuition through PTS costs $500 for three quarter units or $1,000 for six quarter units.
    Work hours: Excavation - 5:00-13:00; pottery washing and scheduled lectures in the afternoon and evening.
    Workdays: Monday-Friday.
    Minimum stay: 3 weeks (preference to full 5-week session).
    Recreation: Overnight field trips (optional for those not taking field school credit through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) will take place on two mid-season weekends ($145 apiece).
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Ron E. Tappy, The Zeitah Excavations, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206-2596
    Tel: 412-441-3304 x2126; Fax: 412-486-0776
    E-mail: tappy@fyi.net
    Website: For more information and application form see: http://www.zeitah.net/

    TEL BET YERAH Tel Bet Yerah (Khirbet el-Kerak) is the site of a large fortified Early Bronze Age town situated at the point where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee. Built on a raised peninsula near an important crossroads and a fertile valley, Tel Bet Yerah became a major regional center, and its fortification systems, city gate, streets and houses reveal elements of advanced urban planning. The monumental Circles Building - the granary of Bet Yerah - is unique in the ancient world.
    In 2007 we will return to the Circles Building and continue studying the history of its construction and use, as well as its integration in the urban environment.
    Director:

    Dr. Rafi Greenberg, Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University

    Dates: June 17 - July 26
    Accommodation: Ohalo Manor hostel (6-8 persons per room)
    Cost: $600 for two-week session; $1100 for four-week session; $1600 for six-week session (full board, including weekends)
    Registration fee: $200 deposit, of which $25 is a non-refundable registration fee.
    Credit courses: Four academic credits will be available for those completing the four-week field-school program from June 24 - July 19 (lecture series; daily pottery reading; instruction in field techniques; weekly field-trips to active archaeological excavations in the region).
    Tuition for overseas students will be $400 (includes tours).
    Voluntary program: Voluntary participation in lecture series and pottery reading; weekly field trips; weekend field trip (at extra cost).
    Work schedule: Sunday through Thursday: Morning - excavation; afternoon - pottery reading.
    Application deadline:

    April 30, 2007

    Minimum age: 18
    Minimum participation: 2 weeks.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Sarit Paz, Tel Bet Yerah Expedition, Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B. 39040, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv
    Tel: 972-3-6405470; fax: 972-3-6407237
    E-mail: pazsarit@post.tau.ac.il
    Website: For registration details and application form see website.

    TEL HAZOR Hazor is a major site in the Galilee, located approximately 5 km. north of Rosh Pina. 
    The population of Hazor in the second millennium BCE is estimated to have been about 20,000, making it the largest and most important city in the entire region, located strategically on the route connecting Egypt and Babylon. Hazor's conquest by the Israelites opened the way to the conquest and settlement of the Israelites in Canaan. The city was rebuilt and fortified by King Solomon and prospered in the days of Ahab and Jeroboam II, until its final destruction by the Assyrians in 732 BCE.
    In this season the levels of the Israelite and Canaanite period will be explored.
    Director:

    Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor, Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University

    Dates: June 24 - August 3. The season is divided into two 3-week sessions: June 24 - July 15; July 15 - Aug 3. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire 6-week season.
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Mahanyim. All rooms (2-3 people per room) equipped with air-conditioning, TV and a kitchenette.
    Cost: $990 per session ($330 per week x 3) or $1800 for those who register for the entire period.
    Registration fee: $25.
    Credit courses: Students may arrange to receive academic credit through the Rothberg International School (and transfer the credit to their home institution). The cost is 110$ for 1 academic credit point, each equals 1 week of participation (up to 6 credit for the whole season). Students opting to receive academic credit are required to fulfill the requirements set by dig directors.
    Work hours: Monday through Friday: 5:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. - excavation. 14:00 - pottery washing.
    Lectures: A series of lectures during the week will provide training in field archaeology and the interpretation of finds.
    Recreation: The expedition will organize tours (conducted or otherwise) to sites of your choice, provided enough participants are interested, at extra cost.
    Minimum age: 18
    Minimum participation: 3 weeks.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
    Tel. 972-2-5882403/4; Fax. 972-2-5825548.
    E-mail: bentor@mscc.huji.ac.il
    Website: For registration details and application form see website.
     
    TEL TSAF Tel Tsaf is a 7,000 years old prehistoric village located near Beth-Shean in the Jordan Valley. Excavations which began in 2004 revealed findings in both architecture and material culture that imply certain contacts with northern Syria.Proto-historic village with mud brick architecture, water well, rare pottery type (Tsafian Ware), flint and botanical remains (including olive seeds).
    Director: Prof. Yosef Garfinkel, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Dates: 1st session: June 24 - July 5; 2nd session: July 8-19; 3rd session: July 22 - August 2
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Kefar Ruppin Birdwatching Center (youth hostel, 3-4 people in air-conditioned rooms, kosher food in kibbutz dinning-room, free swimming pool).
    Cost: $500 per session, $1,400 for 3 sessions
    Registration fee: US$50
    Work hours: Monday-Friday: 5-13 on site, 16.30-18.00 washing and sorting the finds on camp (Friday no afternoon work). Volunteers can stay at the kibbutz during the weekends at no extra cost.
    Minimum stay: Two weeks.
    Academic credit: 3 or 6 credits, $100/credit hour, through the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Lectures and tours: Two lectures a week, in the evenings, on related archaeological topics. Once a week there is a regional tour to archaeological, historical, or nature sites in the Jordan Valley. One weekend tour to the Old City of Jerusalem.
    Recreation: Free use of kibbutz swimming pool
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Prof Yosef Garfinkel, Institute of Archaeology
    Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Jerusalem 91905 Israel
    E-mail: garfinkel@mscc.huji.ac.il
    Website: For more details and application form see http://www.tel-tsaf.org
     
    TEL REHOV

    Excavation at Tel Rehov, the location of the largest ancient Canaanite and Israelite site in the Beth-Shean Valley, began in 1997. The first seven seasons of excavations revealed successive occupational layers from the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age I (12th-11th centuries BCE). Large and well-preserved buildings from three occupation layers were dated to the 10th-9th centuries BCE (United Monarchy of David and Solomon and the Divided Monarchy under Omri and Ahab). Among the highlights of this season will be the continued excavation of the unique 10th century BCE beehives found in 2005. 

    Directors:

    Professor Amihai Mazar, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University in Jerusalem

    Dates: June 25 - Aug 2 (two 3-week sessions)
    Accommodation:

    Volunteers will live at Kibbutz Nir David, located about eight kilometers from the site, or alternatively, at another nearby kibbutz. At Nir David, accommodation is in air-conditioned wooden cabins that accommodate up to five people. 

    Cost: $300 per week during the first three weeks of participation and $270 per week for the 4th to 6th week of participation for those who stay more than three weeks. Cabins for couples, if available, cost extra. Discounts for returning volunteers are available. The weekly fee covers full room and board and laundry (once a week) in the kibbutz for a full 7 day week.
    Minimum stay:

    Three weeks 

    Work hours: Workdays Monday-Friday: Excavation - 5:30-12:15; pottery washing - 16:30. Lectures twice a week - 20:00.
    Recreation: Swimming in the walking distance Sahne springs or in the kibbutz swimming pool, parties and barbeques. Weekends free.
    Registration fee: $300 deposit upon registration. Of this, $25 is a nonrefundable registration fee.
    Application  deadline: March 31, 2007
    Academic credit: An academic program will be offered to students who wish to obtain academic credit, both undergraduate and graduate, granted from the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The credit program will be offered during the first three weeks of the dig and will provide 4 credits, while those interested in 6 credits must participate in the entire six weeks of excavation.
    For more information and cost see http://www.rehov.org/volunteer/Credit.htm
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: For general information: rehov@mscc.huji.ac.il 
    Website: For more information and application form see:
    http://www.rehov.org/
     
    TEL DOR

    Tel Dor is a major Canaanite-Phoenician-Hellenistic-Roman port on the Mediterranean coast, located in present day Israel between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The site was excavated between 1980 and 2000 by a team directed by Ephraim Stern of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with several other institutions worldwide. Starting on the summer of 2004, a new consortium reopened the excavation.
    Our objectives for this season: Completion of the excavation of a large Hellenistic temple and investigation of early Roman industrial installations; digging the elite section of the city, with large Iron Age Phoenician public structures; excavating area D5 on the southern slope of the acropolis, aiming to reach the Bronze Age city, never before exposed at Dor.

    Dates: June 26 - July 28, divided into two sessions: June 26 - July 13 and July 15-28
    Director: Dr. Ilan Sharon, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University
    Accommodation: Nahsholim Seaside Resort Hotel; air-conditioned rooms, up to four per unit.
    Cost:

    Full season: 2200 Euro (or the equivalent); half season: 1400 Euro (or the equivalent). For North American participants: $2700 and $1700 respectively. Includes full (7-days/week) room & board.

    Registration deposit: 100 Euro
    Work hours: Excavation: 5:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, sorting finds, office work in the afternoon, lectures. Saturday and Sunday free. Weekend field trips at additional cost.
    Academic credit: Academic credit will be available through the participating academic institutions. Fees vary by institution.
    Recreation: Sports facilities, diving, boating & sailing, trips are available at the resort and/or adjacent beach.
    Minimum age: 18
    Minimum participation: Two weeks.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact:

    Yiftah Shalev, Tel Dor project, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91905
    E-mail: dor-proj@mscc.huji.ac.il 
    In the USA:
    Prof Sarah Stroup, Department of Classics, Box 353110 , University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3110; tel. (206) 543-2276; fax (206) 543-2267; E-mail: scstroup@u.washington.edu     or
    Prof Elizabeth Bloch-Smith, Villanova University and St. Joseph's University; tel. (610) 664-7829;
    E-mail bloch-smith@msn.com

    Website:

    If you wish to register from North America as part of Prof. Bloch-Smith's group please click here, as part of prof. Stroup's group here.
    Elsewhere: http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/dor/

     
    HIPPOS (SUSSITA) Hippos (Sussita) is located on the eastern shore of Tiberias Lake, a short distance from Kibbutz Ein-Gev. The site, one of two cities of the Decapolis located in Israel, which is situated on the top of a flat diamond shaped mountain, 350 m. above the Sea of Galilee, was entirely surrounded by a wall.
    In this season we plan to: Continue the excavation of the Hellenistic Compound and unearthing the Roman Temple, reveal public buildings adjacent to the forum, complete the excavation and preservation of two churches, and contunue to expose the southern Roman fortification wall.
    Director: Prof. Arthur Segal, University of Haifa
    Dates: July 1-26. The season is divided into 4 weekly sessions. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire season.
    Accommodation: Youth hostel and flats, Kibbutz Ein Gev; 2-4 people per room.
    Cost: $410 per full week (Sun-Sat), $320 for five working days (Sun-Thur) or $1450 for the entire 4-week season.
    Registration fee: $100 (nonrefundable) in personal or bank check. Fee will be deducted from total cost of participants.
    Work hours: Excavation (Sunday-Thursday): 05:00-12:00, with additional work assignments and lectures in the afternoon and evenings.
    Recreation: On weekends participants may relax or travel on their own or enjoy on the shore of the Tiberias Lake.
    Minimum age: 16
    Minimum participation: One working week (Sunday-Thursday). Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire season.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Mr. Michael Eisenberg, Assistante to Project Director, Hippos (Sussita) Project, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
    Tel. 972-4-8249392; Fax: 972-4-8249876
    E-mail: hippos@research.haifa.ac.il
    Website: For registration details and application form http://hippos.haifa.ac.il/
     
    TELL ES-SAFI/GATH Tell es-Safi, which is identified by most scholars as the biblical city of "Gath of the Philistines" (the home of Goliath!), is one of the largest tells (ancient ruin mounds) in Israel and was settled almost continuously from the 5th millennium BCE until modern times. Continuous excavations are planned for at least the next decade. Major finds from the first few seasons include the discoveries of a 9th century BCE destruction layer with extraordinarily rich remains and of a siege trench surrounding the site, whose date has yet to be determined.
    Director: Prof. Aren Maeir
    Dates: July 8 - Aug 3
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Revadim. Aair-conditioned rooms, 6 per room; single and double rooms available at extra charge, subject to availability.
    Cost for volunteers: US$350 per week, or US$1350 for entire 4 weeks. Includes room and board (kosher food), including weekends, transportation to and from the site during excavation, and various dig-related activities.
    Registration fee: US$25 (non-refundable).
    Application deadline: May 1, 2007
    Academic program: Students participating in 2 week program can earn 3 university credits from Bar-Ilan University (cost $500). Students participating in entire 4 week program can earn 6 university credits from Bar-Ilan University (cost $1000).
    Work hours: Excavation - 6:00-1:00; afternoon - various excavation related processes (such as pottery reading) and occasional tours and lectures.
    Workdays: Sunday afternoon - Friday afternoon.
    Minimum age: 16. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parents/legal guardians.
    Minimum stay: 2 weeks
    Recreation: Field trips; kibbutz pool.
    Lecture/class: Twice a week, in evenings.
    Insurance: Applicants must have medical authorization and health insurance (valid in Israel!) and complete medical form.
    Contact: Prof. Aren M. Maeir, The Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, ISRAEL
    TEL: +972-3-531-8299; FAX: +972-3-635-4941
    E-mail: maeira@mail.biu.ac.il; aren@maeir.com
    Website: For more information and registration package see: http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~maeira or www.dig-gath.org
     
    YAVNEH-YAM The coastal site of Yavneh-Yam (Jamneia-on-the-Sea) is located approximately equidistant between Jaffa and Ashdod. It was occupied from the Late Bronze Period till the Middle Ages. Current excavations deal with the Late Iron Age, Persian, Hellenistic, Byzantine and Early Islamic periods.
    Director: Prof. Moshe Fischer, Department of Classical Studies, Tel Aviv University
    Dates: July 15 - Aug 10
    Accommodation: Ayanot Youth Village; air-conditioned rooms, 3-4 persons to a room.
    Cost for volunteers:

    One week: $400 ; Two weeks: $800; Three weeks: $1140; Four weeks: $1520 (full season)
    I    ncludes full board accommodation, on-the-job training, evening lectures and organized weekend excursions.

    Registration fee: US$50 (non-refundable).
    Work hours: Excavation Monday-Friday 5:00-12:00. Treatment of finds (mainly pottery washing) 16:30-18:30. Evening lectures & other activities 20:00-21:30. Saturday-Sunday free.
    Minimum stay: One week, starting on every Sunday, preferably two consecutive weeks.
    Minimum age: 14
    Recreation: Swimming in the Mediterranean and youth village pool. There will be organized excursions to places of interest in Israel on two or three of the intermediate Sundays (July 22, July 29 and/or August 5).
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, which will be checked on arrival.
    Contact:

    Ilan Shachar, Coordinator of the Yavneh-Yam Project, 17 Basel Street, Herzliya 46660
    E-mail: ilansh@netvision.net.il

    Website: For more details and application form see http://www.tau.ac.il/~yavneyam
     
    RAMAT RAHEL After a 40-year break in archeological digging at Ramat Rahel in Jerusalem, Sonia and Marco Nadler Institute of Archeology of Tel Aviv University, in cooperation with Heidelberg University in Germany, is renewing exploration at the site. The work will continue with exposing remnants of a king’s palace from the First Temple period and the hidden layers of 7th and 8th century BCE. In addition, it will explore the stratigraphic continuity of layers from the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
    Directors: Dr. Oded Lipschits (Tel Aviv University) and Prof. Dr. Manfred Oeming (Heidelberg University)
    Dates:

    July 29 - Aug 26, divided into four week-long periods.

    Accommodation: Full room and board at Kibbutz Ramat Rahel; choice of hostel or hotel facilities.
    Cost for volunteers:

    Weekly fee for hostel (without private bathrooms), 2 persons per room, $460 per person / $687 for a single.
    Hotel (4-star), 2 persons per room, $550 per person / $816 for a single.
    Price includes: participation in the dig, full room and board, two academic lectures, use of the hotel pool. Price does not include: flights to and from Israel, transportation within Israel, insurance, weekend (Friday-Sunday) tours , $60 per person.

    Academic program: The Ramat Rahel Archaeological Project allows students participating in the seasonal excavations to gain academic credits by attending the project educational program. Each course is two weeks long, 3 credits each. The price for each academic credit is $100. Responsibility for arranging credit with the home institution rests with the student. For more information see Tel Aviv University website.
    Work hours: Workdays: Monday-Friday. Excavation - 5:30-12:45. Afternoons will include pottery washing, followed by academic lectures and weekly summary tours of the site.
    Minimum age: 14 (minors with written parental consent)
    Minimum stay: 2 weeks
    Recreation: Kibbutz pool. Evenings - social, cultural and academic activities. Weekend tours in Israel, some requiring payment for transportation and entrance fees. Students enrolled for academic credit will be required to attend all lectures and tours.
    Lecture/class: Twice a week, in evenings.
    Insurance: Applicants must have medical authorization and health insurance (valid in Israel!) and complete medical form.
    Contact: For further information about program content, contact: omertelaviv@gmail.com.
    For registration please fill the application form and than e-mail to: excavations@ramat-rachel.org.il for hotel reservation.
    Websites:

    http://www.ramatrachel.co.il/ARCHEOLOGY/
    VolunteerPrograms.htm
    Tel Aviv University -
    http://www.tau.ac.il/humanities/archaeology/projects/
    ramat_rachel/


    Israel Antiquities Authority - Programs for Organized Groups

    The Israel Antiquities Authority's Department of Education and Information is responsible for educational programs in archaeology and heritage preservation. The department runs three centers for archaeology, offering tours, workshops, activities, enrichment courses and opportunities to participate in excavations - for organized groups only.

    For further information, please contact:

      The Center for Archaeology in the Galilee
      Israel Antiquities Authority
      PO Box 35
      Nahalal 10600
      Tel./Fax.: 972-6-6415607,8

      The Center For Archaeology in Jerusalem
      POB 586
      91004 Jerusalem
      Tel.: 972-2-5602621, 972-050-512113
      Fax: 972-2-5602628, 972-2-6285054

      The Center for Archaeology in the Negev
      Israel Antiquities Authority
      HaTzav St. 1
      PO Box 271
      Omer 84965
      Tel./Fax: 972-7-6469940

     
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