The 34th Season: Summer 2026
General Information
Hazor, the largest city of the biblical period in Israel, was a major political, economic, and cultural center for over a millennium. Strategically located on the international routes linking Egypt and Mesopotamia, it played a central role in the history of Canaanite and Israelite societies. Ongoing excavations reveal the city’s dramatic cycles of prosperity, destruction, and rebuilding from the Early Bronze Age through the Iron Age.
Season dates:
12 July – 21 August 2026
Application Procedure
Prospective participants are asked to complete the application form.
Detailed instructions will be sent by email after the application is received.
Fees & Payment
USD 1,700 — 3 weeks
USD 3,250 — Full season (6 weeks)
Payment deadline:
Payment must be made no later than May 1, 2026.
Payment methods:
Bank transfer (preferred): Please contact us for bank details
Credit card: A payment link will be sent upon request
Please note:
Cheques, money orders, and traveler’s checks are not accepted.
For payment questions, contact:
Refund Policy
In the event of cancellation, the following policy applies:
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By 30 April 2026: Full refund, minus a non-refundable USD 100 registration fee
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1–31 May 2026: 50% refund
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From 1 June 2026 onward: No refund
Cancellations must be submitted by email and are valid only after written confirmation is received.
Accommodations
Participants will stay at Kibbutz Kfar HaNassi, near Tel Hazor, on the banks of the Jordan River.
Facilities include:
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Swimming pool
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Basketball courts
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Supermarket
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Free Wi-Fi throughout the compound
How to Get There
From Ben-Gurion Airport:
We highly recommend using the Moovit app for planning public transportation in Israel.
Program Overview
Fieldwork hours: 05:00–13:00, Monday–Friday
Final week of the season: Sunday–Thursday
Weekends are free. Participants may stay at the kibbutz or travel independently.The expedition does not organize weekend tours.
A series of lectures during the week provides training in field archaeology and interpretation of finds.
Academic credit is available through the Rothberg International School (HUJI).
Daily Schedule (Monday–Friday)
04:15 — Wake-up
04:45 — Bus to site
05:00 — Work begins
07:00 — Coffee / tea break
09:30 — Breakfast
10:00 — Work resumes
13:00 — End of fieldwork & pottery washing
14:00 — Lunch (at kibbutz)
15:00 — Siesta / rest
17:00 — Pottery reading (optional)
19:00 — Lectures (as announced)
19:30 — Supper
21:00 — Suggested bedtime
Weather Conditions
Mornings and evenings are cooler (15–20°C).
Daytime temperatures are typically hot (25–35°C) and usually dry.
Humidity is possible; summer rainfall is rare.
Conduct & Expectations
Participants are expected to be considerate, mature, and committed to the project.
Early wake-ups require discipline. Participants are advised to:
Sleep by 21:00 on work nights
Rest during the midday break
Catch up on sleep over weekends
Fatigue is cumulative.
The project has few formal rules. However, serious misconduct or behavior that endangers others may result in dismissal (a rare occurrence).
The program is demanding but highly rewarding, involving long days and intense sun.
What to Bring
Required
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Sun hat or head covering (mandatory in the field)
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Strongly recommended
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Sturdy work gloves (two pairs recommended)
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Sunglasses
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Swimsuit and towel Sweater and/or windbreaker
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Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, eye dropsBasic first-aid kit
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Prescription medications (full supply)Bathrobe, shower clogs
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Small mirror Clothesline & clothespins Liquid detergent (small bottle)
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Personal water bottle or canteen
Clothing
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Two sets of lightweight field clothes Long sleeves/pants recommended at first
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Loose clothing preferred
Footwear
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Closed, sturdy work shoes only
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Sneakers not recommended
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Sandals not permitted on the tel
Academic Credit
Students may receive undergraduate or graduate credit through the Rothberg International School (HUJI).
Credits may be transferable to home institutions.
Fees (paid directly to Rothberg):
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USD 120 application fee
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USD 120 per credit point(1 credit = 1 week; up to 6 credits)
Students requesting academic credit must indicate this upon registration.Instructions will be sent with acceptance confirmation.
