Here are some of the frequently asked questions from volunteers who join ABR in Israel for a dig:
- Is it safe to dig in Israel? Safety is of primary importance on this excavation. Each year, the Israeli Antiquities Authority (or KAMAT) and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) review the situation locally and determine if it is safe for ABR to dig at the site. Our permit is not granted unless they are sure our site is safe. Shiloh is a national park and is enclosed and is located along the main security road. The excavation is very safe.
- What insurance company do recommend recommend? IMG and Yonder. Please read each policy carefully so that you know what will and will not be covered in different circumstances.
- How do we get from the airport to Jerusalem? You can procure a taxi at the airport, which usually costs $125-$150 USD each way. The other option is to take the train, which has a terminal inside the airport. You will need to purchase a Rav-Kav card from a machine by the train terminal and load it with money. The card and the trip to Jerusalem only cost about $15 USD, but then you will need to take a taxi to the hotel from the main terminal. We often point volunteers to ask about ground transportation in the FB group, as sometimes you can find another volunteer arriving at the same time and can share a taxi.
- What places do the weekend tours go to? During the Dig, several weekend trips may be made available to diggers, depending on local conditions. Park entrance fees, lunch, and bus and/or van costs are in addition to the weekly Dig Fees. The costs are very reasonable, about $70-$85 per day. It all depends on the trip leader/volunteer preference and isn’t determined until the week in which the trip will happen. Past tours have included trips to Jericho, Galilee, Caesarea Maritima, Masada, the Dead Sea, and Tel Dan.
- How do we do our laundry? The hotel offers laundry services, but they’re expensive. Many diggers wash their clothes by hand in bathtubs or sinks and then hang them to dry in the room or on the balcony. It is helpful to bring along some rope for a clothesline or some suction cup hooks to affix to mirrors and the windows. With this option, diggers should use detergent from Israel (US detergent does not work well with Israeli water).
- How can I connect with other diggers before I go? Join the Shiloh Facebook page right now to interact with others who are also going to Shiloh! It’s a great place to introduce yourself and ask questions. You can also tag yourself and easily share photos and videos the ABR staff posts while you are on the excavations. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shilohdigteam/
