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The most extensive work on the Temple Mount in more than a decade is being carried out by Islamic officials and it is causing a great deal of consternation among Israeli archaeologists.
In a news article published in the Jerusalem Post, Dr. Gabriel Barkai, an archeologist with the Bar-Ilan University said that “the Israeli government is lending a hand to the destruction of one of the most important archeological sites in the world.”
According to the news report, “Barkai said that the dig, which is being carried out with tractors and other heavy construction machinery, has created a 400-meter long and 1.5-meter deep trench on the site, destroying several layers of ancient remains. Among the antiquities which have been damaged is a seven-meter-wide wall which apparently dates back to the Second Temple, and is likely to have been part of its courts.”
Read the news report by clicking here.
It is sad that this excavation of the Temple Mount is being carried out without the supervision of archaeologists. The destruction of antiquities cause irreparable damage and obliterate precious evidence that could help archaeologists in their study of the site.
When prominent archaeologists such as Ephraim Stern, Amihai Mazar, Ehud Netzer, Israel Finkelstein, Moshe Kochavi, Gabriel Barkai, and Eilat Mazar say that evidence is being destroyed, someone in the Israeli government should listen and act fast.
Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
Photo: The Jerusalem Post
Tags: Archaeology, Jerusalem, Temple Mount
>Interesting, keep up the Good work 🙂
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>Robert,Thank you for visiting my blog. The work of archaeologists is very important for those who are involved in biblical studies. By calling attention to what is happening in Jerusalem, maybe we can do some good.Claude Mariottini
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