In the hills of Judea and Samaria, where biblical figures once walked, modern archaeologists face a dilemma that has nothing to do with the ancient past they seek to uncover.
Israeli researchers find themselves effectively blacklisted by the international academic community, unable to publish findings from some of history’s most significant sites.
The politics-driven policies of the academic archaeological world result in the erasure of biblical history, while the Palestinian Authority’s deliberate efforts to wipe out evidence of the Jewish connection to the land imperil sites of tremendous historical value.
Dr. Scott Stripling, an American archaeologist directing excavations at Shiloh for the Associates for Biblical Research, faces publication barriers despite his non-Israeli citizenship.
“The boycott isn’t absolute,” he told TPS-IL. “Truly extraordinary findings might get published, but first reports face strict rejection. Only when placed in a broader historical context might editors be more lenient.”
He argues the reasons for boycott are solely political and harm science. “Believe it or not, I do not have political views. I’m studying the early formation of the Israelite state, and Shiloh is essential for this research. If I wait for Middle East peace, my work will never be completed.”
Judea and Samaria contain sites fundamental to biblical archaeology. Hebron is the burial site of biblical patriarchs and was King David’s capitol city. Shiloh is where the Tabernacle stood until King Solomon completed the First Temple.
Abraham built an altar in the area of Shechem (Nablus), while outside the city are Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where the Hebrews invoked a series of blessings and curses after entering the Holy Land.
Nearby is Sebastia, the capital of the Israelite Kingdom during the reigns of Omri and Ahab with its temples and palaces.
What’s at stake is not just career opportunities for researchers, but pieces of human history that connect three major world religions to their origins.
Complete Article
worldisraelnews.com
Israeli researchers find themselves effectively blacklisted by the international academic community, unable to publish findings from some of history’s most significant sites.
The politics-driven policies of the academic archaeological world result in the erasure of biblical history, while the Palestinian Authority’s deliberate efforts to wipe out evidence of the Jewish connection to the land imperil sites of tremendous historical value.
Dr. Scott Stripling, an American archaeologist directing excavations at Shiloh for the Associates for Biblical Research, faces publication barriers despite his non-Israeli citizenship.
“The boycott isn’t absolute,” he told TPS-IL. “Truly extraordinary findings might get published, but first reports face strict rejection. Only when placed in a broader historical context might editors be more lenient.”
He argues the reasons for boycott are solely political and harm science. “Believe it or not, I do not have political views. I’m studying the early formation of the Israelite state, and Shiloh is essential for this research. If I wait for Middle East peace, my work will never be completed.”
Judea and Samaria contain sites fundamental to biblical archaeology. Hebron is the burial site of biblical patriarchs and was King David’s capitol city. Shiloh is where the Tabernacle stood until King Solomon completed the First Temple.
Abraham built an altar in the area of Shechem (Nablus), while outside the city are Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where the Hebrews invoked a series of blessings and curses after entering the Holy Land.
Nearby is Sebastia, the capital of the Israelite Kingdom during the reigns of Omri and Ahab with its temples and palaces.
What’s at stake is not just career opportunities for researchers, but pieces of human history that connect three major world religions to their origins.
Complete Article
Boycotting the Bible: Israeli archaeologists punished for uncovering biblical sites
Several Israeli archaeologists confirmed that these journals routinely reject research conducted in Judea and Samaria — policies that align with the broader anti-Israel BDS movement.
worldisraelnews.com
