(Under)mining the Status Quo
Ancient sites play an important role in the political struggle over Jerusalem, particularly in the historic basin. In this short video we describe the organisations engaged in archaeology and how...
Update: Zeev Elkin – Jerusalem Affairs and Environmental Protection Minister
At the end of July, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu chose to appoint Zeev Elkin as Minister of Environmental Protection. Elkin has been head of the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and...
Press Release: Decision to Approve Elad’s “Kedem Compound” Plan in Silwan Awakens Fear of Extreme Politicization of Planning and Building Institutions
The decision of the National Planning and Building Council made public just a few hours ago, to approve construction of the Kedem Compound on an area of some 15,000 sq....
Press Release: Political Pressure led to reconsideration of the Kedem Compound – this time under more favorable conditions to the settlers
On Tuesday, March 22, the National Planning and Building Committee will hold a re-hearing on the ‘Kedem Center,’ to be built near the Old City walls at the entrance to...
Press Release: Israel High Court Petition filed to prevent additional site closure in ‘City of David’ archaeological park, Silwan
January 24, 2016 A group of Silwan residents and Emek Shaveh petitioned the Israeli High Court yesterday to prevent closure of “Area E” (No. 6 and 7 on map), the...
Update – Kedem Center in Silwan and Davidson Center at the foot of the Temple Mount / Al-Aqsa Compound
Important Israeli court and building committee decisions were recently delivered regarding efforts by right-wing organization Elad (An Israeli organization promoting Jewish settlement in Silwan that uses archaeology to strengthen Israeli...
Press Release: Elad’s Petition to disqualify Government Decision based on Board Member’s Political Views is rejected
District Court Judge Nava Ben-Or has rejected a petition by Elad demanding to retroactively disqualify a member of the National Planning and Building Council. The judge ordered Elad to pay...
Underground Jerusalem: The excavation of tunnels, channels, and underground spaces in the Historic Basin
Introduction The majority of the area of the Old City is densely built. As a result, there are very few open spaces in which archaeological excavations can be undertaken. From...
Archaeological Activities in Politically Sensitive Areas in Jerusalem’s Historic Basin
Preface Jerusalem’s Old City and the Historic Basic (also called the Holy Basin) contain some of the most important sites to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. On account of its religious...