Using Archaeological Information to Promote Peaceful Co-existence in Israel/Palestine

Abstract

The issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and role of archaeology in helping sustain it has been thoroughly discussed, especially in the last decade. The social, ideological, religious and cultural dissonances present in today’s Israel/Palestine are important contributing factors behind this intractable conflict. Some of these disparities are closely linked with issues of archaeology, history, and cultural heritage. Ongoing ideological and political clashes to control the present and the past of this region have had direct implications for archaeological remains, practices and management. For example, archaeological sites are strongly affected by large-scale looting, as well as by the construction of the separation barrier, military operations and smaller-scale vandalism. The definition, protection and preservation of archaeological and heritage sites are also influenced to a great extent by political instability, poor law enforcement and ambiguity in management responsibilities. The management and interpretation of archaeological sites may also suffer from ‘cultural appropriation’ and biased presentation to the public.