Call for
Volunteers 2010
We hope to start
our 8th season of excavations at Ein Gedi in January 2010. This
season will last 4 weeks and we expect 30 volunteers for each week, each
staying for a minimum of one week.
The sunny
winter months at this lowest point on earth reach 18–20 degrees centigrades,
making work outdoors especially attractive at a time of year when most of
Europe and
Please
put the Ein Gedi Oasis Excavations in your calendar. We look forward to your
joining us for a new season of exploration and revealing another hidden part of
Ein Gedi’s past.
Dr. Gideon Hadas
The nature of the work
Archaeological work, though not easy, is both
stimulating and great fun, and affords an opportunity to meet people from all
over the world. Much of the work entails clearing rocks, soil, and debris with
shovels, buckets, and wheelbarrows; however, the human occupation levels are
carefully dug and sifted with the aid of smaller, more delicate tools. Other
than this, there is also plenty of washing and registration of pottery to be
done.
No prior background is required, though
all volunteers should be in good physical health and of good cheer. There is no
age limit – we have teenagers working alongside octogenarians, and all ages in
between.
Dates and work schedule
The 2010 season will be held from Jan
4th to 28th inclusive.
Minimum participation: 1 week. Fieldwork is
conducted from Mondays through Thursdays, from
Fridays and weekends are free. Optional
after-work activities include swimming in the Dead Sea, walking through the
oasis, socialising with old and new friends among the volunteers or just
relaxing and enjoying the landscape – the most beautiful in the world, in my
prejudiced opinion!
Accommodation
1) Most volunteers prefer to stay at the Ein Gedi
Youth Hostel on the shore of the
Participation costs include room and board. The
rates per person per 5-day week (Sunday afternoon 14.00, till
Friday morning, 10.00) are as follows: 5-person occupancy per room: $345.
The rooms have 4-5 beds, a toilet, a shower, 1-2
wash-basins and mostly a small private terrace with a glorious view of the
Rooms must be vacated early Friday morning. Luggage
may be stored in designated rooms over the weekend.
Weekends (Friday–Sunday morning). Volunteers wishing to remain at the Youth
Hostel over the weekend will make arrangements to do so at the Youth Hostel
reception desk.
2)
Those wishing to set up their own tent will participate in the cost of meals.
Public
showers are available at the Ein Gedi beach.
3) Kibbutz Guest House – Accommodation
can be arranged by e-mail:
yoellala@ein-gedi.co.il Telephone no: 972-8-6594222; Fax
no.: 972-8-6584328
Please note that the Kibbutz Guest House
is some distance from the excavation site and from the evening activities in
the Youth Hostel. Transport is not normally provided.
Transportation
Volunteers arriving at
1. Taxis (24-hour taxi
service at the airport Arrivals Terminal):
(a) Share-cab (sherut) to
(b) Private taxi from airport directly to Ein Gedi Youth Hostel.
Sashie Fax. 03 9721716, SESHIR@netvision.net.il
* Add 25% for night rates.
2. Buses stopping opposite the Arrivals
Terminal leave frequently for the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. From
Notification of Change of Plans. Please adhere to the dates for which you are
registered. Any change in plans, including cancellations, arrival before
Sunday afternoon, or arrival late at night, must immediately be
brought to my attention: Gideon Hadas (E-mail: gideonhadas@gmail.com; fax:
972-8-6584384. Failure to notify us will incur full payment of
original reservation.
Mode of Payment. Payment for room and board will be made at the
beginning of each week by cash, traveller’s cheque, or personal cheque payable
to “Gideon Hadas, Ein Gedi Excavations.” Credit cards will not be accepted.
All volunteers must arrange their own medical
and accident insurance, valid in