Office
   Rozanis 13, Tel Aviv 
   Israel

  Phone
  ++972(0)3 6474208

  Fax
          
  ++972(0)3 6485655

 

 

To join the mailing list enter your e-mail address:
 Send


Home >> Israel - Volunteer at the Tel-Asif Excavation Site
 
Approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Ashkelon (Near Masmia Junction) 

About
Tell es-Safi is a commanding mound located on the border between the Judean foothills 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 archaeological sites in Israel. Most scholars identify Tell es-Safi with Philistine Gath, known from the Bible as the home of Goliath and Achish. Archaeological surveys indicate that the site was inhabited pretty much continuously from the Chalcolithic period (5th millennium BCE) until 1948.

Excavation at the site promises to be one of the major archaeological undertakings of the next decade or two in Israel. Preliminary results have underlined the great importance of the site. Major finds from the first few seasons include the discoveries of a 9th century destruction layer with extraordinarily rich remains and of a siege trench surrounding the site, whose date has yet to be determined

In addition to participating in all facets of the excavation process, participants will be provided with the opportunity to learn excavation techniques, to hear lectures about the archaeology of Israel, and to go on field trips to nearby sites of interest. Students from all over the world may earn university credits through Bar Ilan University.

Volunteer tasks & contribution
Sunday afternoon until early Friday afternoon.
Work day: 6am to 1 pm excavation.
Afternoon: various excavation related processes (e.g.: pottery reading) and occasional tours.
Evenings: occasional lectures.

Project dates
July 6th - August 1st, 2008 

Minimum requirements
Age above 18 years old

Place available
6 volunteers

Accommodation and Meals
Accommodations will be provided at idyllic Kibbutz Revadim, a short drive from the site. Rooms will have air conditioning and there will be use of the Kibbutz pool and food is strictly kosher.

Not just work
In addition to the volunteer work, it is important that all volunteers experience Israel's cultural and natural environment.
       
Language
English

Participation fee
€650 from July 6 until July 20 or €1105 for the entire season (until August 1)

Price includes
•    Participation in the excavation and related activities
•    Room and Board from Sunday afternoon until Friday morning
•    Travel from the base camp to the site and back.

Price doesn't include
•    Flights are not included
•    You’re required to purchase full travel insurance
•    If you are interested in staying on the kibbutz for the weekend, an additional   payment is required
•    Travel to and from base camp on weekends
•    Laundry
•    R&B from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning

Nearest airport
BenGurion Airport, Tel Aviv

Participating Organizations
Bar Ilan University, The Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology

How do I register? 
Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco.
Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check the availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates requested are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by email. 
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to send a deposit of €190 in order to reserve your place within 7 days. This deposit is non-refundable. 
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer
form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
Stage 5: The balance of the project fee must be transferred to GoEco no later than 60 days before the commencement of the project.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.