Security in Israel
These past years was a difficult one for
archeological research in Israel. Fear of violence meant that most American
colleges and universities would not officially permit, or facilitate, the
recruitment of student volunteers, or sanction the travel of students in
Israel.
We have decided to go ahead with the Rehov dig, seeking
independent volunteers – whether students or non-students -- who are aware
of the situation here and are willing to come at their own risk, and without
college or university sponsorship. We believe the risk to be relatively
small, especially if the volunteers follow fairly simple protective
guidelines, which we will provide. We note that the housing we provide is in
the interior of a large kibbutz within the boundaries of Israel proper,
while the dig itself is in the fields of another kibbutz. The entire area is
now protected by the new electronic fence constructed along the border with
the Palestinian Authority.
The traditional summer dig has been one of the bedrocks
archaeological training in the Middle East. We are trying to keep that
tradition alive, and to do it safely and with sound scientific objectives
that provide a genuine archaeological experience for those who hunger for
it.
We will provide our registered volunteers with a letter from
Prof. Mazar stating that the purpose of their visit is participation in an
archaeological excavation. This letter should be presented upon arrival in
Israel to facilitate entry into the country.
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