Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2006
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Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2006

  • 1/16/2006
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    One of the finds of the Megiddo Prison excavation-November 2005.  Ein Gedi excavation: Jan 1-25, 2007
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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 contributed 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 2006
    (Listed by starting date)

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

    Ein Gedi Jan 1-25, 2007
    Tiberias March 12 - April 7; Oct 14 - Nov 16
    Kursi May 14 - 29; Oct 5-28
    Bethsaida May 21 - June 9; June 11-30; July 9-21
    Kursi May 21 - June 14; June 18 - July 12
    Megiddo June 11-29; July 1-27
    Zeitah June 11 - July 15
    Tel Dan June 25 - July 27
    Tel Hazor June 27 - July 18; July 18 - Aug 8
    Tel Dor

    June 27 - August 5

    Hippos (Sussita) July 2 - 27
    Yavneh Yam July 2 - Aug 4
    Tel Tsaf July 2 - Aug 11
    Tell es-Safi

    July 9 - August 4

    Ramat Rahel

    July 30 - August 27

    Apollonia-Arsuf

    August 6 - Sept 1

    Yavne:
    The 4000 year old mound of Tel Yavne is the most significant site for modern Jewish history after Jerusalem. It is here that modern Judaism was born in the shadow of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. The formative decisions taken here shaped the legal process, calendar, and liturgy for Jews throughout the world.
    Until 2005, Tel Yavne was the largest unexplored tel in the coastal plain. It is now being excavated as a project of the Foundation Stone educational organization, led by Prof Dan Bahat, under the aegis of Bar Ilan University. The Yavne Municipality is participating actively in the excavation whose focus is student volunteers. For more information see www.telyavne.com

    Note: There will be no excavations at Tel Rehov in 2006. The next field excavation is scheduled for 2007.

    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 1-25, 2007
    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: $250 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, 2006
    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/callforvolunteers.htm
     
    TIBERIAS In the first 1200 years of its existence, from its founding ca. 20 C.E. to its distruction by the Mamluks in 1247 C.E., the city served as an important center for the political and spiritual leadership of the country. Built on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias was home to the ancient Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court) and the place where the Jerusalem Talmud was codified. It was also the capital of the region where Jesus’ ministry began.
    The March-April 2006 season focused on the excavation of the basilica complex. On the last day of the season, we discovered what might be the monumental entrance to the basilica from its southern side. A large staircase was partially uncovered but the excavation has just begun in this area, and continuing here will be one of our primary goals for the October-November 2006 season.
    Director: Prof. Yizhar Hirschfield, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Dates: March 12 - April 7; Oct 14 - Nov 16
    Accommodation: Aviv Hotel on the southern outskirts of Tiberias within walking distance from the site and the Sea of Galilee. Up to two people per room, full board.
    Cost: Two per room at $350/week or private room at $450/week (check in Saturday night, check out Thursday after lunch); also an option to camp at the site for $100 per person, per week.
    Registration fee: $30 (non-refundable). Returning volunteers exempt.
    Minimum participation: One week
    Work hours: Monday-Thursday, 6:30 am - 1:00 pm.
    Recreation: Evening lectures and field trips to nearby sites. In addition, one may swim in the Sea of Galilee, visit the Tiberias hot springs and enjoy the modern city of Tiberias with all its amenities.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Prof. Yizhar Hirschfeld, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905.
    Email: tiberiasexcavation@yahoo.com
    Fax: Shulamit Miller c/o Tiberias Excavation:
    972-2-5825548
    Website: For more information and application form see: http://www.tiberiasexcavation.com
     
    KURSI Kursi (Gergesa) is located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This will be the 6th excavation season of the residential complex of the Byzantine monastery, the traditional location of Jesus' miracle of the swine (Mark 5) and the miracle of the fish and loaves (Mark 8). Excavations since 1991 have uncovered a Byzantine bathhouse, residential dwellings, and the physical record of the Persian invasion of the 7th century. One of the most intriguing mysteries about Kursi is a staircase that leads down to an unknown subterranean area, which will be explored in 2005.
    Directors: Dr. Charles Page II and Dr. Vassilios Tzaferis, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
    Dates: May 9 - June 2
    Accommodation: Superior first class hotels, two persons sharing twin bedroom with private bath
    Cost: May dig: $3499. Includes: international round trip airfare, motorcoach transportation, accommodations with two meals a day, entrance fees to sites visited, excursions and field trips as per itinerary.
    Registration fee: A full per-person deposit of $300 is required.
    Work Program: Work on site during the week days with field trips to other archaeological sites on the weekends.
    Contact: Dr. Paul McCracken, Associate Director, Kursi Excavations
    Tel: 205-970-3834
    E-Mail: paul@jibe-edu.org
    Website: For additional information and application form see website
     
    BETHSAIDA Tell Bethsaida (e-Tell) is situated 1.5 km off the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Research revealed that Bethsaida was probably a fortified city known as Zer on the Sea of Galilee and mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Bethsaida means "House of the Fisherman". According to the New Testament, Jesus performed some of his most important miracles there, including the "Feeding of the Multitudes," and the "healing of the Blind Man," and from the Bethsaida shores, he was seen walking on the Sea of Galilee.
    Goal of the 2005 season: to uncover more of Iron Age city gate.
    Directors: Prof. Rami Arav, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Prof. Richard Freund, University of Hartford
    Dates: The excavation is divided into three sessions:
    May 21 - June 9; June 11-30; July 9-21
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Ginosar, western coast of Sea of Galilee
    Cost: From $467 to $673 per week, according to type of accommodation. Discount for more than 2-week stay.
    Registration fee: $200 deposit
    Minimum participation: One week
    Application  deadline: March 21 for session 1; April 1 for sessions 2 & 3
    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/
     
    TEL KEDESH Kedesh is the largest unexcavated tel site in Upper Galilee, occupying 20-25 acres. Located in a border area between Phoenician and Jewish spheres of control, it appears throughout much of its recorded history to have been under Phoenician political or cultural control. The goals of the project are to explore the Hellenistic and Roman occupation levels of the site with the intent of identifying and expanding knowledge of continuing Phoenician elements in the material record of the Hellenistic era.
    In the 2006 season we will concentrate our efforts on the area of the Hellenistic Administrative Building and nearby houses. We plan to excavate the bath, and to explore the public rooms and complex entry system, where we hope to find remains of the Persian period predecessor of the HAB.
    Directors: Andrea Berlin (University of Minnesota) and Sharon Herbert (University of Michigan)
    Dates: May 21 - June 14; June 18 - July 12
    Accommodation: Moshav Ramot Naftali
    Cost: Cost for one session is $1200 and for two $2000 with full room and board, except for the 3 day break between sessions.
    Work hours: Sundays to Fridays, 5:30-12:00 - excavation in the field; afternoons - pottery washing and analysis.
    Application deadline: March 1, 2006
    Contact: Professor Andrea Berlin, Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies, University of Minnesota, 330 Folwell Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
    E-mail: aberlin@tc.umn.edu
    Professor Sharon Herbert, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, University of Michigan, 434 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1390.
    E-mail: sherbert@umich.edu
    Website: For additional information and application form see http://www.lsa.umich.edu/kelsey/research/Excavation/
    Kedesh/kedesh.html    .
     
    MEGIDDO

    Megiddo is the jewel in the crown of biblical archaeology. Strategically perched above the most important land route in the ancient Near East, the city dominated international traffic for over 6,000 years - from ca. 7,000 BCE to biblical times. As civilizations came and went, succeeding settlements at ancient Megiddo were built on the ruins of their predecessors, creating a multi-layered archaeological legacy that abounds in unparalleled treasures that include monumental temples, lavish palaces, mighty fortifications, and remarkably-engineered water systems. Megiddo's location explains its longevity: it controlled a bottleneck on the Via Maris, the "Way of the Sea," and with it long-distance trade and traffic. The Book of Revelation accords Megiddo a crucial role in the future, promising an eschatological battle there, where the children of light triumph over the forces of evil. Armageddon is literally "the hill of Megiddo." 

    Directors:

    Israel Finkelstein and David Ussishkin (Tel Aviv University), with Eric Cline (George Washington University) serving as Associate Director (USA).
    The Megiddo Expedition operates under the auspices of Tel Aviv University. Consortium institutions: the universities of George Washington, Loyola Marymount, Southern California and Vanderbilt (USA), Bern (Switzerland).

    Dates: June 11-29 and July 1-27
    Accommodation:

    Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet. All rooms have private facilities with up to 4 people per room. A limited amount of more basic youth hostel style accommodation at a reduced price suitable for short term participants may be available. Full room and board during workdays (Sunday-Thursday). You are free to stay on the kibbutz for the weekend or take day trips - meals not provided.

    Cost: Both sessions (7 weeks): $1995
    Session 1 (3 weeks): $990
    Session 2 (4 weeks): $1320
    Discounts for returnees and Consortium students.
    Academic credit:

    A student can earn up to 6 university credits in any one session or 9 credits in both sessions. Each course carries 3 credits, from the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University. Tuition fees are $125 per credit (reduction for consortium students). Responsibility for arranging credit with the home institution rests with the student. For full course information see website.
    Study tours to other archaeological sites currently being excavated for all those enrolled in the education program.

    Work hours: Sun.-Thurs. 05:00-13:00; afternoon and evening activities include pottery washing (required) and reading and lectures.
    Recreation: Swimming pool and sports facilites on kibbutz. Weekends at leisure.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Norma Franklin - megexc@post.tau.ac.il
    Website: For more information and application form see: http://www.tau.ac.il/humanities/archaeology/megiddo/
     
    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 11 - July 15
    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: April 1, 2006 (group flight participants) or May 13, 20056 (independent travelers).
    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 DAN

    Tel Dan is located in the Hula valley, where the largest tributary of the Jordan River begins its course south. In the Hebrew Bible, the site is also referred to as Laish (Genesis 14:14; Joshua 19:47; Judges 18:29).
    The name appears in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts dating from the 19th to the 15th century B.C.E. Massive ramparts and an intact mud-brick gate with three complete arches dating to approximately 1750 B.C.E. were uncovered, the gate being one of the earliest found anywhere.
    In the 2006 season, we will continue digging in Area B, into the Iron II and Iron I levels, to complete the architectural plans and enhance our ability to carry out spatial analysis of houses and neighborhoods, to understand lifestyle, economy and political organization.

    Dates: June 25 - July 27
    Directors: Dr. David Ilan, Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology and Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, Jerusalem and Dr. Nili Fox, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati
    Accommodation: Residence at Mt. Hermon Field school: generally 2 volunteers per room, a/c, laundry, internet access, hiking trails, home cinema, nearby swimming pool and grocery store (5 minute drive up the hill).
    Cost: $350 per week; $1,500 for 5 weeks
    Registration fee: $75 (refunded to candidates who are not accepted)
    Registration deadline: May 1, 2006
    Work hours: 05:00-13:00
    Recreation: Field trips to Banias, Amrit Temple, Nimrod's castle, Snir River Trail, Maayan Baruch Museum, Hazor, Ateret Fortress, Lake Hula Swamps, Beit Ussishkin Visitor Center
    Minimum participation: One week
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Nili Fox, 3101 Clifton Avenue
    Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
    513.221.1875 x3268
    513.221.1847
    nfox@huc.edu
    Website:

    For more information and application form see:
    http://www.huc.edu/newspubs/pressroom/2006/2/
    TelDan2006b.shtml


    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 27 - August 8. The season is divided into two 3-week sessions: June 27 - July 18;  July 18 - Aug 8. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire 6-week season.
    Accommodation: ETAP Hotel Galilee
    Cost: $855 per session ($285 per week x 3) or $1600 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 $300 for 3 academic credits, per 3 weeks of participation, plus a $65 application fee, to be paid directly to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Students opting to receive academic credit are required to fulfill the requirements set by dig directors.
    Work hours: Excavation: 5:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional work assignments in the afternoon and the evenings.
    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: http://unixware.mscc.huji.ac.il/~hatsor/hazor.html
     
    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, consisting of three Israeli and four American universities, as well as a large multi-disciplinary and multi-national team of scholars and experts, reopened the excavation, using it as a testing-ground for new techniques and technologies for extracting information about the past.
    Our objectives for this season include: Searching for a Hellenistic palace or temple complex in the southwestern quarter of the mound; excavating a monumental Iron Age complex; excavating a new area (D5) on the southern slope of the acropolis to reach the Bronze Age city, never before exposed at Dor.

    Dates: June 27 - August 5
    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 about $3100; half season is $1900. Includes full (7-days/week) room & board and access to/participation in all Dor excavation activities.
    Registration deposit: $100.
    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: Talia Goldman, Tel Dor project, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91905 Israel
    E-mail: dor-proj@h2.hum.huji.ac.il
    In the USA, please contact Prof. Andrew Stewart: astewart@berkeley.edu
    Website:

    For registration details and application forms
    in North America:  http://yana.sscl.berkeley.edu/%7Eteldor/volunteer/index.htm
    In Italy contact: Hagar Biton, loc. Castello di Meleto,
    Gaiole in Chianti 53013 (SI) - hagarbiton@yahoo.it
    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, continue revealing the forum, the northwest and northeast churches,and the area above the east city gate.
    Director: Prof. Arthur Segal, University of Haifa
    Dates: July 2-27. 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: The cost of participation is $390 per full week (Sun-Sat) or $1390 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/
     
    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 2 - August 4
    Accommodation: Ayanot Youth Village, 15 minutes drive from the site; air-conditioned rooms, 3-4 persons to a room.
    Cost for volunteers: The participation fee is US $350 per week. This sum covers full board accommodation, an introductory course to archaeology of the Holy Land, one day trip to other sites of interest. Does not cover flight, travel and insurance.
    Registration fee: US$50 (non-refundable).
    Application deadline: June 15, 2006
    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: Two weeks, starting on every Sunday (July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30).
    Minimum age: 16
    Recreation: Swimming in the Mediterranean and youth village pool, one Sunday trip per session.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, which will be checked on arrival.
    Contact: Prof. Moshe Fischer, Archaeological Project Yavneh-Yam, (Israel), 69978 Ramat Aviv, Israel.
    Tel. 972-3-6409938; fax: 972-3-6409457.
    E-mail: fischer@post.tau.ac.il
    Website: For more details and application form see http://www.tau.ac.il/~yavneyam
     
    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. This sophisticated culture may be highly instrumental for illuminating the missing link existing between the first sedentary cultures of the Neolithic period and the full-blown urban cultures of the Early Bronze Age in the Near East.
    Director: Prof. Yosef Garfinkel, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Dates: July 2 - August 11
    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: $225 per week,  $1250 per full season
    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 (for 3 weeks participation) or 6 credits (for 6 weeks participation) from the Rothberg School of Overseas Students, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The cost is $75 registration fee, and $100 per credit ($375 for 3 credits or $675 per 6 credits).
    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
     
    TELL ES-SAFI/GATH Tell es-Safi (Hebrew Tel Tsafit), Israel, is a commanding mound located on the border between the Judean foothills (the Shephelah) and the coastal plain, approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Ashkelon. At about 100 acres in size, it is one of the largest and most important pre-Classical period archaeological sites in Israel. Tell es-Safi is identified as Canaanite and Philistine Gath (known from the Bible as the home of Goliath and Achish) and Crusader Blanche Garde.
    Major finds from previous seasons include the discovery of a 9th century BCE destruction layer with extraordinarily rich remains, apparently related to the Aramean conquest of the site as mentioned in II Kings 12:18; a siege trench surrounding the site, apparently related to the Aramean siege; The "Goliath Inscription" which has two names very similar to the name Goliath, dating to the 10th cent. BCE (not long after the time of David and Goliath!); Rich remains from the Philistine and Canaanite cultures.
    Director: Prof. Aren Maeir
    Dates: July 9 - Aug 4
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Revadim. Rooms (air-conditioned - 4-6 per room; single and double rooms available at extra charge).
    Cost for volunteers: US$340 per week, 2 week minimum, or US$1310 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.
    Does not include medical and accident insurance; travel to and from Israel; travel to and from airport to base camp (Kibbutz Kfar Menahem) and travel to and from base camp on weekends.
    Registration fee: US$25 (non-refundable).
    Application deadline: June 1
    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 (minors with written parental consent)
    Minimum stay: 2 weeks
    Recreation: Field trips (twice weekly); 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
     
    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 exposing remnants of a king’s palace from the First Temple period and the hidden layers of 7th and 8th century B.C.E. 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 30 - Aug 27, 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, $430 per person / $640 for single.
    Hotel (4-star), 2 persons per room, $510 per person /$755 for single; 4 persons per room - $440 per person.
    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, organized tours, insurance.

    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. In Germany: ramatrachel@urz.uni-hd.de
    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/
    Heidelberg University -
    http://www.ramatrahel.uni-hd.de/en/homee.htm

     
    APOLLONIA-
    ARSUF    		 Apollonia-Arsuf is located on a sandstone cliff on the shore of Herzliya, some 15 km. north of Tel-Aviv. Two decades of excavations are revealing its long and interesting history. A modest coastal settlement in proto-historical and biblical times, it became the only maritime center of the southern Sharon Plain from the late 6th century B.C.E. until the mid-13th century C.E. The 2006 season will focus on the Roman and Byzantine remains located to the south of the Crusader castle. The excavation is a joint Tel-Aviv University - Brown University Apollonia expedition.
    Director: Prof. Israel Roll, Institute of Archaeology, Tel-Aviv University
    Dates: August 6 - Sept 1. The season is divided into 4 weekly sessions.
    Accommodation: Reshef Camp - field conditions, with basic amenities. Accommodations comprise small huts for 3-4 persons, with communal showers and toilets. The huts are not air-conditioned, but the seaside cliff top location usually assures pleasant breezes, even in August.
    Cost: One week: $330 Three weeks: $960
    Two weeks: $650 Four weeks : $1270 (full season)
    Includes room & full board, lecture series, workshops and field trips.
    Registration fee: $50 (nonrefundable)
    Work hours: Excavation (Monday-Friday): 07:00-14:30, pottery sorting/workshops: 15:00-17:00.
    Recreation: Adjacent Mediterranean beach. Two Saturday field trips.
    Deadlines: April 1: 5% discount for registrations received before this date.
    May 15: Full participation fees due.
    Minimum participation: One working week.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Volunteer coordinator: Ilan Shachar
    Email: ilansh@netvision.net.il
    Fax: 00972-99513479
    Website: For registration details and application form http://www.stg.brown.edu/projects/apollonia/


    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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