On Wednesday, February 11. a conference on archaeology and politics will be held in Jaffa under the auspices of Emek Shaveh, The conference, entitled “Whom Does Archaeology Serve? Archaeology in the Political Conflict in Israeli Society” will take place at the Nalaga’at Center in Jaffa Port between 17:30-21:30.
The first session will address the use of archeology in the national-political struggle over East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The second session will focus on the significance of archeology for communities residing near ancient sites and how can an excavation or archaeological site become an asset for the local community?
Emek Shaveh recently published a new report: Archaeology in the Political Struggle over the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif. According to this organization” “In recent years, archeological activities on and around the site have entered the public discourse. While complaints abound from the Israeli side about the Islamic Waqf’s responsibility for destruction of antiquities on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, Palestinians and Muslims accuse Israel of digging tunnels beneath and around the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
The report focuses on the major changes on the Temple Mount and its surroundings since 1967. In addition to administrative modifications, such as Israel’s control of the Mughrabi Gate, archaeological activities have had the deepest political impact on the area. Despite Israeli assertions that the status quo is maintained, in practice changes are constantly occurring which affect the political and religious status of the complex. In the past year, this process has accelerated even more.
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