Israel Archaeological Services (IAS) provides a large variety of archaeological-related services to various academic bodies, both local and foreign, which plan to excavate in Israel. We strive to ensure that every expedition will be able to concern itself solely with fieldwork, without the worry of the numerous logistic and administrative aspects that accompany every excavation.
In addition, IAS represents the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology in all matters relating to salvage excavations required by Israeli law prior to any new construction/infrastructure works.
IAS was founded by Dr. Oren Gutfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a classical archaeologist with over twenty-five years’ excavation experience. Among the projects that he directed, on behalf of both the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority, are Beit Loya (Lehi), Horbat ‘Amuda, Qumran, Hyrcania, Herodium, Ramla and the Hurva and Tiferet Israel synagogues in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City.
Prior to the dig, we offer to assist and/or represent our clients in any dealings they may have with such governing bodies as the Israel Antiquities Authority, the National Parks Authority and the Staff Office of Judea and Samaria, so that they may receive their excavation license as quickly as possible.
We specialize in erecting expedition base camps (including for those who wish to camp on-site), as well as supplying all matter of equipment necessary for a successful excavation season at the highest academic level – all the while adhering to top safety standards. Likewise, we are able to meet the needs of more complex projects, providing a rich array of specialized equipment . We are also able to provide a work force comprised of serious and experienced laborers.
IAS also offers numerous excavation-accompanying services, such as surveying, photography (field, aerial, and small finds), and, as per Israeli law, conservation. Following the end of the excavation season, we can provide proper storage facilities for both equipment and finds or transport the finds to the facilities of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Should an expedition require it, we can also undertake the actual finds processing – comprising small-finds conservation, drawings, photography, plates preparation, along with preparation of the finds reports themselves (pottery, glass, numismatics, stone vessels, etc.). Finally, we offer translation (Hebrew-English) and editing (English) services, as well as assistance in matters of publication.
Founder and Director
Project coordinator and field archaeologist / Co-director,
Beit Lehi Regional Project
Field archaeologist / Director, Rehovot salvage excavation
Field archaeologist / Director, Neve ‘Ur salvage excavation
Project foreman
and majordomo
Graphic design and registrar