Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2010

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.

EXCAVATIONS 2010
(Listed by starting date)
This is a preliminary list. Additional digs will be added as the information becomes available.

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. The expedition is looking forward to combining the site of the Ancient Synagogue of Ein Gedi with the excavations of the Byzantine village. 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 4-28
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: $345 room and board per 5-day week (Sunday afternoon 14.00, till Friday morning, 10.00)
Registration fee:	$35 (non-refundable). Returning volunteers exempt.
Minimum participation:	One week
Application deadline:	Dec 1, 2009
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
OMRIT	Located in the northeast Huleh Valley at the base of Mount Hermon, Omrit was discovered when a 1998 fire in the northeastern Galilee revealed an ancient building complex not far from Kiryat Shmona. Excavations revealed two successive temples on the same spot as well as an imperial public building which may be the temple Herod erected in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus in the area of Banias. Omrit is one of the few examples of Roman imperial presence and rule in Israel, untouched, and virtually intact.
Directors:	Prof. J. Andrew Overman from Macalester College, St. Paul, USA
Dates:	Late May - Late June
Accommodation:	Kibbutz Kfar Szold, hotel-style rooms with air conditioning and kitchenettes.
Cost:	$3000 (payable in two installments) and a deposit of $1500 is due by Feb 15, 2010.
Application deadline:	Feb 15, 2010
Work hours:	Excavation - 5:00-12:00; pottery washing and reading - 13:30-18:00. Lecture - 20:00. Workdays: Monday-Saturday morning.
Recreation:	Swimming pool, basketball courts, and an on site night club. Horse riding. During the weekends, the excavators can go on various trips around the region. A weekend in Jerusalem is tentatively planned for one weekend during the stay.
Insurance:	Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
Contact:	Andy Overman, Dept. of Classics, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105; Fax: 651-696-6498; E-mail: overman@macalester.edu
Website:	For more information and application form see: http://www.macalester.edu/classics/omrit/
MEGIDDO	Strategically perched above the most important land route in the ancient Near East, the city of Megiddo 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:	The Megiddo Expedition is directed by Israel Finkelstein and David Ussishkin (Tel Aviv University), with Eric H. Cline (The George Washington University) serving as Associate Director (USA). The expedition is undertaken under the auspices of Tel Aviv University, in conjunction with The George Washington University as Senior Consortium Member and Loyola Marymount University, Vanderbilt University, and Chapman University as Consortium Members.
Dates:	June 12 - July 1; and July 3-29
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): $2600 Session 1 (3 weeks): $1300 Session 2 (4 weeks): $1750 Discounts for returnees and Consortium students.
Academic credit:	3, 6, 9, or 12 Credits from Tel Aviv University: The Educational Program aims to integrate the excavation experience into archaeological theory and into contemporary archaeological and historical knowledge of Megiddo, the Jezreel Valley and the wider region. Field trips are included for registrants. Each course is worth 3 credit hours from Tel Aviv University. Tuition fees are $150 per credit hour, for a total of $450 per course, reduced to $400 for consortium students. For full course information see website.
Registration fee:	$50 non-refundable deposit
Work hours:	Sun.-Thurs. Daily work on the tel and in the camp begins at 5:00 AM and finishes by 1:00 PM. It resumes in camp at 4:00 PM with the processing of finds, a requirement for all Team Members.
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://digmegiddo2010.wordpress.com/
TEL REHOV	Excavation at Tel Rehov, the location of the largest ancient Canaanite and Israelite site in the Beth-Shean Valley, began in 1997. In 2010, we plan a five week season, focusing on exposing more of the 10th century BCE beehive area in Area C, including a newly exposed structure where last season two complete cult stands were found and that appears to have a cultic function. Another focus of our excavation is a large public structure dating to the Late Bronze IIB in Area D.
Directors:	Professor Amihai Mazar, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University in Jerusalem
Dates:	June 15 - July 16
Accommodation:	Volunteers will live at Kibbutz Bet Alfa - 3-4 people in air-conditioned suite with attached kitchenette, shower, toilet, and cable TV.
Cost:	Full board - First week (6 nights: June 14-19): $315; second, third and fourth weeks (7 nights a week: June 20-July 10): $365 per week; fifth week (5 nights: July 11-16): $265. Double and single rooms available for an additional fee.
Minimum stay:	Three weeks
Work hours:	Workdays Monday-Friday: Excavation - 5:30-12:30; pottery washing and sorting- 16:30. Lectures one-two times a week - 20:00.
Recreation:	Kibbutz swimming pool, parties and barbeques. Weekends free.
Registration fee:	$50 non-refundable registration fee (deducted from final payment).
Application  deadline:	April 1, 2010
Academic credit:	4-6 academic credits will be granted from the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Academic Credit Tuition Cost: To be announced shortly. 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 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. 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 20 - July 30. The season is divided into two 3-week sessions: June 20 - July 9; July 11-30. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire 6-week season.
Accommodation:	Kfar HaNassi
Cost:	$1200 per session ($400 per week x 3) or $2200 for those who register for the entire period.
Registration fee:	$25 (non-refundable) by check or money order payable only to: The Israel Exploration Society.
Credit courses:	Students may arrange to receive academic credit (undergraduate or graduate level) through the Rothberg International School. These credit points can be transferred to the student’s home institution. This entails additional fee of 110$ for 1 academic credit point, each equals 1 week of participation (students can get up to 6 credit points for the whole season). Students opting to receive academic credit  should state their intent upon registration, and directions for application to the credit program will be sent by mail.
Work hours:	Monday through Friday: 5:00 a.m. to 14:30 p.m. - excavation and pottery washing.
Lectures:	A series of lectures during the week will provide training in field archaeology and the interpretation of finds.
Recreation:	The kibbutz has a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts. On weekends participants may stay at Kfar HaNassi and relax or travel on their own.
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:	Mail the application form + registration fee to: Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University Mount Scopus Jerusalem 91905 Israel Tel. 972-2-5882403/4 Fax: 972-2-5825548 For information contact: Dr. Sharon Zuckerman Email: hazor@mscc.huji.ac.il
Website:	For registration details and application form see Hazor website.
KHIRBET QEIYAFA	The archaeological site of Khirbet Qeiyafa is located on the hills that border the Elah Valley on the north. This is a key strategic location in the biblical kingdom of Judah, in the main road from Philistia and the Coastal Plain to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron in the hill country. In this area one of the world's most famous battles took place, the battle between David and Goliath.
Director:	Prof. Yosef Garfinkel (Hebrew University); Mr. Saar Ganor (Israel Antiquities Authority)
Dates:	June 20 - July 30
Accommodation:	Bet Meir Hostel, 15 minutes drive from Jerusalem and 25 minutes drive to the site. This is an observant Jewish religious village, and driving is forbidden on the Sabbath. The expedition will stay there from Sunday morning to Friday morning. 4 beds in air-conditioned rooms, with adjacent shower/restroom.
Cost:	$350 per week or $2,000 per season to be paid directly to the hostel upon arrival (credit card).
Registration fee:	$50 registration fee, to be sent with the registration form - please make out a check to the Israel Exploration Society.
Credit courses:	3 or 6 academic credits can be obtained from the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The charge is $80 registration fee and $120 per credit. Application form: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/summer_programs
Work hours:	Sunday: 13:00-20:00 Monday-Thursday: 5.00-13.00 Pottery washing and pottery reading daily 16.30-18.00.
Lectures and trips:	From 18.30 to 19.30 (Monday-Thursday) a lecture illustrated by slides on the archaeology of ancient Israel will be given. Once a week there will be a tour to nearby archaeological sites, like Tel Jarnuth, Mareshah, Lachish, Gezer, and the Israel Antiquity Authority storage rooms.
Insurance:	Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
Contact:	For registration and academic credit inquiries, please contact Prof. Yosef Garfinkel: garfinkel@mscc.huji.ac.il
Website:	For registration details and application form see website.
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 University of Washington team will continue excavating the impressive and archaeologically-rich Hellenistic and late Persian period buildings on the south side of the Tel (‘Area D4’) - a fascinating complex of large public buildings likely connected with Dor’s focus as a center of coastal Mediterranean trade and industry.
Dates:	July 5 - August 12 divided into two half seasons: July 6-24, and July 26-Aug 12
Directors:	Dr. Ilan Sharon, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University; Dr. Ayelet Gilboa, Haifa University For the University of Washington: Prof. Sarah Culpepper Stroup
Accommodation:	Kfar Galim Youth Village. Student rooms (three to four per room) feature central air conditioning, weekly cleaning service, and large bathrooms.
Cost:	Full season 2400 Euro/$3500 (or the equivalent); half season 1500 Euro/$2200 (or the equivalent)
Registration deposit:	$100
Work hours:	Excavation: 5:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 16:00 - Pottery washing and reading. Saturday and Sunday free. Weekend field trips at additional cost.
Lectures:	At 17:00 Monday through Thursday, UW Field School participants attend lectures offered by Israeli, U.S. and international scholars on a variety of topics. Hebrew University - afternoon lectures on various aspects of the archaeology, history, and specialized scientific studies of the site and the region.
Academic credit:	Through the Hebrew University Rothberg International School, in a program administered by Dr. Bloch-Smith, earn 2 credits for a half-season excavation (July 6-July 24) or 4 credits for excavating the full season. Daily educational activities include instruction in archaeological field methods and theory, the processing and analysis of the material excavated each day. Please contact Dr. Bloch-Smith (bloch-smith@msn.com) for further details regarding this accredited program. University of Washington: Students who successfully complete the course requirements of the UW Field School will receive 12 credits from the University of Washington.
Recreation:	The tree-filled campus provides a swimming pool and outdoor sports facilities.
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:	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
Website and application forms:	University of Washington Tel Dor Archaeological Program - http://depts.washington.edu/teldor/index.html Prof. Bloch-Smith's group and the Hebrew University Rothberg International School Tel Dor Field School applicants - http://dor.huji.ac.il/registration_Liz.html For individuals applying directly to the Dor office in Jerusalem - http://dor.huji.ac.il/application2010.html
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. The objective of the expedition is to uncover the entire ancient city, the street network, the main public secular and religious buildings, as well as the domestic quarters. The main areas of excavation in 2010 will be: the odeion, basilica, North-East Church and surrounding insulae, domestic quarters, two baths, the defensive ditch and fortifications next to it and the necropolis.
Director:	Prof. Arthur Segal & Dr. Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa
Dates:	July 4-31. The season is divided into 4 weekly sessions. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire season.
Accommodation:	Volunteers will be lodged at the youth hostel and flats at Kibbutz Ein-Gev, 2-4 per room, on the shore of Tiberias Lake. Full board, a/c.
Cost:	350 Euro per full week (Sun-Sat) or 1240 Euro for all the 4 weeks season (including weekends).
Registration fee:	80 Euro (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:	Guided tours; 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:	Dr. Michael Eisenberg, Co-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/
RAMAT RAHEL	Kibbutz Ramat Rahel is located on a hilltop (818 m above sea level), about midway between the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Previous excavations at the site unearthed a large scale citadel with a royal palace from the time of the last kings of Judah - the only royal palace ever found from the kingdom of Judah. The 2009 excavation season in Ramat Rahel was very successful. However, excavations were not completed in some areas and we have decided to go back to the site for a short and concentrated season, in order to do some final excavations before concluding the whole project.
Directors:	Dr. Oded Lipschits (Tel Aviv University) and Prof. Dr. Manfred Oeming (Heidelberg University)
Dates:	August 15-28. Excavation will be conducted for these 14 days without a weekend break. Participants can register only for the entire period.
Accommodation:	Full room and board at Kibbutz Ramat Rahel (4-star facility) - hotel or hostel lodging.
Cost for volunteers:	Weekly fee per person, covering full board, use of all hotel facilities (pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym): from $538 to $923 per week, depending on accommodation. Price includes: participation in the dig, full room and board, two academic lectures, evening tours in Jerusalem (including city museums), afternoon archaeological programs and social activities. Price does not include: flights to and from Israel, transportation within Israel, insurance, weekend tours, up to $50 per person
Work hours:	TBA. Afternoons will include pottery washing, followed by academic lectures and weekly summary tours of the site.
Minimum stay:	Two weeks
Recreation:	Kibbutz pool. Evenings - social, cultural and academic activities. Weekend tours in Israel, some requiring payment for transportation and entrance fees.
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: omertelaviv@gmail.com and excavation@krr.co.il
Websites:	http://www.ramatrachel.co.il/archaeology/ Tel Aviv University - http://www.tau.ac.il/~rmtrachl/index.html

Israel Antiquities Authority

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 information on volunteer opportunities available at the IAA, contact Mrs. Meyrav Shay, tel. 972-2-6204679, 972-52-4284408.

Volunteers from abroad should also prepare a photocopy of their insurance policy. 

- Download IAA volunteer form