In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land series, Jen has a conversation with Raphael Greenberg, an Israeli archaeologist focused on the political implications of archaeology in Israel/Palestine. Raphael shares his personal journey into archaeology, highlighting the intersection of science and politics, particularly in the context of Israeli-Palestinian relations. He discusses the colonial roots of archaeology and its entanglement with tourism, emphasizing how narratives are shaped to fit ideological perspectives. The conversation also touches on the City of David, where archaeology is used to support settler politics, raising critical questions about cultural heritage, modern tourism, and the implications for local communities. 

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Raphael discuss the importance of critical awareness for visitors to consider the context and implications of what they see. Raphael also shares about the current realities of conflict in Israel-Palestine, the impact on tourism, and the importance of engaging with local organizations for peace and justice. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠. 

Dr. Raphael (Rafi) Greenberg is Professor of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University. His research has focused on the Bronze Age Levant and on the social and political entanglements of archaeology in Israel/Palestine. His most recent book, co-authored with Yannis Hamilakis, is Archaeology, Nation, and Race: Confronting the Past, Decolonizing the Future in Greece and Israel (Cambridge 2022). He also serves on the board of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli nonprofit devoted to heritage justice in Israel-Palestine. 

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Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

-Neil Asher Silberman, Digging for God & Country

-Raphael Greenberg, Archaeology, Nation, and Race: Confronting the Past, Decolonizing the Future in Greece and Israel

-Emek Shaveh

-Rabbis for Human Rights