Heritage

Israel's Heritage Minister: Palestinians destroying archaeological sites like ISIS did in Syria

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu on archaeology, sovereignty, and the battle over history in Judea and Samaria

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu plants a flag at the archaeological site Sartaba in Judea and Samaria.
A Palestinian archaeologist works on a lead sarcophagus discovered in Gaza City in early 2022. A common Israeli claim is that Palestinians have ‘no interest’ in antiquities.

'Heritage as a weapon': How West Bank digs became a tool of dispossession - opinion

Joshua’s Altar on Mount Ebal, situated outside of Israeli territory, is under threat of being erased by new construction plans.

Israel abandoned its heritage under Oslo - now it's paying the price - opinion

Rare half-shekel coin discovered in Judean Desert by the Israel Antiquities Authority, February 26, 2026.

Rare half-shekel coin used in biblical census count discovered by archaeologists in Judean Desert


The Jews of China: Harbin (part three)

In the third episode of their China series, Mark and David arrive in Harbin—the unlikely northern city that became home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities of the 20th Century.

China

Israeli flag raised on historic Jordan Valley peak in the biblical heartland

According to the Heritage Minister’s office, the flag was hoisted on the mountain peak in a symbolic act that the ministry said reflects a renewed emphasis on Israel’s spiritual heritage.

An Israeli flag is raised on the peak of Mount Sartaba in the Jordan Valley, February 23, 2026.

Bronze scale pan found in ancient Sussiya reveals how biblical law shaped daily Jewish life

Neta, a second-grader at the regional school in Sussiya, and her father, Nachshon, discovered the pan inside a residential building near the town’s main street. 

Archaeologist Achiya Cohen-Tavor holding bronze scale pan found in the ancient Jewish settlement of Sussiya, February 19, 2026.

Portugal returns stolen Mayan, Zapotec artifacts to Mexico in first-ever archaeological restitution

INAH specialists were sent photographs of the finds and conducted a preliminary review of the three, confirming that they indeed “form part of Mexico’s archaeological heritage.”

Portugal returns three stolen artifacts to Mexico in handover ceremony at the Mexican Embassy in Lisbon, February 17, 2026.

Second Temple workshop found on Israel's Mount Scopus during investigation into antiquities thieves

The workshop was discovered at the Ras Tamim archaeological site on the eastern slope of Mount Scopus. 

Newly discovered limestone shards and vessels on display in the new "Criminal Past" exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, February 16, 2026.

Authorities reveal discovery of fourth century Roman shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast

According to the ministry, the site has been under constant monitoring by Italy’s financial police to “protect the site from possible looting and to preserve its enormous scientific value.”

Divers carrying amphorae from the fourth century AD Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Gallipoli, southern Italy in June 2025.

Israel advances bill for authority over West Bank heritage, archaeology sites

Seven MKs voted in favor of the bill, and five MKs opposed it. It will need to pass three readings in the Knesset’s plenum to become a law.

The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee approved the advancement of a controversial bill to establish an authority to oversee antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank, February 5, 2026.

New archaeology exhibit marks 60 years of Knesset building with rare finds from Jerusalem, Galilee

The event hosted more than 2,000 visitors, including soldiers, police officers, Holocaust survivors, and students from schools and kindergartens across the country.

The new exhibition at the Knesset, February 3, 2026.

Why falafel is at the heart of Israel’s 'Operation Dugo' Holocaust remembrance

Operation Dugo grew out of David “Dugo” Leitner’s personal tradition of eating falafel every January 18, the date linked to the start of the Auschwitz death marches in 1945.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Member of Knesset Michael Biton prepare falafel in memory of late Holocaust survivor David (Dugo) Leitner at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem, on January 14, 2026.

A slow journey through France’s Loire Valley: Chateaux, wine, and quiet beauty

Choosing which Loire Valley châteaux to visit is both a delightful and challenging dilemma, one that quickly becomes overwhelming. There are 300 châteaux in total, and about 100 open to the public.

Exterior architecture of the Renaissance castle in the village of Grignan in the Drome department of France on September 23, 2025.