General Information (2026)

Dates

Season dates: 12 July–21 August 2026

Application Procedure

Prospective participants are asked to complete the application form.

Fees

• USD 1,700 for 3 weeks

• USD 3,250 for the full season (6 weeks)

Payment must be made no later than 1 May 2026, using one of the following methods:

1. Bank transfer (preferred): Please contact us for bank details.

2. Credit card: We will send you a payment link.

Please note: Cheques, money orders, and traveler’s checks are not accepted. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact us.

Participants should also bring a modest amount of money to cover personal expenses and any independent travel before or after the excavation. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Israel, and cash can be withdrawn from ATMs.

All correspondence regarding payment or other questions should be directed to:
hazor.excavations@mail.huji.ac.il

Refunds

In the event of cancellation, the following refund policy applies:

1. Cancellations received by 30 April 2026: full refund, minus a non-refundable USD 100 registration fee.

2. Cancellations received from 1 May to 31 May 2026: 50% refund.

3. Cancellations received on or after 1 June 2026: no refund.

This policy is necessary because services are ordered and paid for in advance based on expected participant numbers. Cancellations must be submitted by email and are valid only after written confirmation is received.

Accommodations

The expedition will stay at Kibbutz Kfar HaNassi, near Tel Hazor, on the banks of the Jordan River. The kibbutz has a swimming pool, basketball courts, and a supermarket. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the compound.

How to Get There

From Ben-Gurion Airport: We highly recommend using the Moovit app for public transportation planning:
https://moovitapp.com/

Program

Work at the site is 05:00–13:00, Monday–Friday. During the final week of the season, work is Sunday–Thursday.

On weekends, participants may stay at the kibbutz and relax or travel independently. The expedition does not provide organized weekend tours.

A series of lectures during the week will provide introductory training in field archaeology and the interpretation of finds. Academic credits are available through the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Daily Schedule (Monday–Friday)

• 04:15 Wake-up

• 04:45 Bus departs for the site

• 05:00 Work begins

• 07:00 Coffee/tea break

• 09:30 Breakfast

• 10:00 Work resumes

• 13:00 End of fieldwork and pottery washing

• 14:00 Lunch (main meal, back at the kibbutz)

• 15:00 Siesta / rest

• 17:00 Pottery reading (optional)

• 19:00 Lectures (as announced)

• 19:30 Supper

• 21:00 Suggested bedtime

Weather in Israel

Mornings and evenings are generally cooler (15–20°C), while daytime temperatures are typically hot (25–35°C) and usually dry. Some days may be humid, but rainfall in summer is rare.

Conduct and Expectations

Participants are expected to be considerate, mature, and committed to the project’s success. If everyone behaves accordingly, the staff will not intervene in personal matters.

The clearest sign of commitment is responding promptly to the alarm clock—something that becomes more challenging as the season progresses. Since wake-up is early, participants are advised to sleep by 21:00 on work nights, rest during the midday break, and catch up on sleep over the weekend. Fatigue is cumulative.

The project operates with few formal rules. However, serious misconduct or irresponsibility that endangers others may result in dismissal from the excavation (something that has not occurred in over ten years of our previous project, nor in the previous 30 seasons at Hazor).

The program is demanding but highly rewarding. The days are long and the sun is intense. Applicants should be prepared for three or six weeks of energetic, hands-on work.

Recommended Personal Items

Work Clothing

Bring two changes of field clothes. Choose sturdy, lightweight items in light colors that are easy to wash. Because the sun is intense, long sleeves and long pants may be helpful until you adjust. Loose clothing is generally more comfortable than tight clothing; synthetic fabrics can feel hotter.

Work Shoes

Shoes must be sturdy, comfortable, and have good traction for rocky terrain. Sneakers are not recommended for excavation work, and sandals are not permitted. Closed work shoes are mandatory on the tel; participants without proper footwear will not be allowed to work.

Casual Clothing

For afternoons and weekends. One moderately dressy outfit is useful, but dress in Israel is generally informal.

Required

• Sun hat or head covering (mandatory in the field)

Strongly Recommended

• Work gloves (sturdy but flexible; you may need two pairs; leather palms with ventilated backs are ideal)

• Sunglasses

• Swimsuit and towel

• Sweater and/or windbreaker

• Toiletries (available locally but often more expensive)

• Medical items: sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, eye drops, basic first-aid kit, and a season’s supply of any prescription medication

• Bathrobe and shower clogs, small mirror, clothesline and clothespins

• Liquid detergent (small plastic bottle)

• Small canteen (water is provided in the field, but a personal bottle can be useful, especially on weekends)

Academic Credit

Students may arrange to receive academic credit (undergraduate or graduate level) through the Rothberg International School. Credits may be transferable to the student’s home institution.

Fees (paid directly to Rothberg):

• USD 120 application fee

• USD 120 per academic credit point (each credit equals 1 week of participation; up to 6 credits for the full season)

Students requesting academic credit should indicate this upon registration. Application instructions will be sent by email together with confirmation of acceptance to the excavation.

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