Who we are

“Emek Shaveh” is a new non-profit association of archaeologists, local residents and human rights activists working to change the role of archaeology in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We believe that archaeology can be used as a bridge between peoples and cultures and that it has the power to influence the dynamic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that can benefit the future of all the peoples in this region.

Problem Statement

Archaeology is a discipline that involves the land and takes place outside, in the field. Archaeological excavations influence the understanding of a place and alter the surface. An archaeologist never leaves the place in the same state as he got it. By taking over land and influencing the narrative of a place, archaeology has a very strong power in a conflict in which a big part is about land and narrative. These issues are crucial in Jerusalem – the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The disputed status of Jerusalem and specifically of East Jerusalem is one of the main obstacles to reaching a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, and the conflict in Jerusalem has impact not only on Israel-Palestinian relations but also far beyond the country’s borders

Archaeology is frequently exploited as a political tool by parties who have a stake in proving their right of ownership over land. When Israelis -- or Palestinians-- cite the discovery of an archaeological relic linked to their heritage as a way of legitimizing their exclusive claim of ownership over a specific site, they are ignoring both the rich cultural history of the place and the community living there at present. Such was the case in Susya in the South Hebron hills, where the discovery of an ancient synagogue led to the eviction of Palestinians who lived near the site, even though their continued presence in the area posed no problem for the preservation of the site. Another example would be the site of the “City of David” in the village of Silwan in East Jerusalem.  This site is administered by a settler organization - Elad, which uses it as an instrument to strengthen its control over the village itself.  The site is felt to constitute a threat to the way of life and the future of the Palestinian residents. 

Organization’s Mission

We believe that archaeological findings should not function as a means to prove ownership by one people or one religion over a given tract of land. The archaeological finding is an integral part of local culture. Archaeology teaches us about the cultures of the past and belongs to all peoples and faiths. The development of an archaeological site located within a built-up area cannot be justified if it ignores the local community. On the contrary, because they represent the most recent layer in a long history of cultures and societies, the current residents are a crucial part of the place, its story and its archaeology.

Our goal is to undermine the perspective which sees the past as a possession of a particular religion or nation and a justification for hostile and immoral actions aimed against minorities.  On the contrary, we see archeological activity as a means to initiating positive processes.  Archeology within a community, working together with the residents in a variety of ways – joint excavation, preservation and development of the site, tours which include visiting the community as well as the site – can enlarge the environmental vision of the residents, increase social commitment and a initiate a local process of social change.

Our Supporters

Emek Shaveh thanks the following for their generous support:
- The Sigrid Rausing Trust (www.sigrid-rausing-trust.org)
- The Royal Norwegian Embassy Tel-Aviv
- British Shalom-Salaam Trust (www.bsst.org.uk)