Archaeologist Dr. Shay Bar of Haifa University is the sole academic digging in the tribal area of Menashe and the Jordan Valley in the ongoing Manasseh Project. He tells Eve Harow what’s really going on in the Shomron; the boycott of his scientific reports and the difficulties of getting funding and collaboration. The incredible potential to deepen our knowledge of the development of civilizations is crushed by the irreparable desecration of ancient heritage sites by Arab thieves. It’s literally a crime against humanity’s history.

The area has barely been excavated but the archaeological dream is turning to dust, and little is being done. The recent damage Joshua’s Altar is a small example in an area overrun by those for whom destruction is a win win proposition.

Let’s hope and pray for better days ahead.