Spokesperson:      Yoli Shwartz

Fax:                     +972-2-6287492

E-mail:                  dovrut@israntique.org.il

Address:                PO Box 586, Jerusalem 91004, Israel

The prime function of the Spokesperson is to present  IAA policy to the media, using, as a basis, the interests, positions and principles of the organization as formulated in the Law of Antiquities (1978). Additional tasks involve reaching out to a specific audience, enhancing the organization’s image, increasing public awareness with regard to a specific subject, familiarizing the public with the organization’s activities and advancing its interests.

The IAA spokesperson handles all facets of the organization’s media relations. These include the continuous distribution of information and materials concerning the organization’s activities and its professional positions, reporting on excavations and new discoveries, on enforcement of the law against antiquities looters and damagers of antiquity sites. Information is forwarded to all communication media in several languages.

The spokesperson initiates and maintains continued contact with media representatives, organizes press conferences and tours, and drafts the organization’s official position for the media. The spokesperson is in charge of replying to questions from reporters on a wide variety of subjects connected to the work of the Antiquities Authority. The spokesperson takes care of all requests for IAA media services, such as filming for commercial or documentary purposes.

The spokesperson is in regular contact with the IAA Director-General and serves as advisor to its unit directors on media issues. The IAA spokesperson and/or his/her designee has sole responsibility for distributing information to the media (newspapers, radio, television). Requests to interview IAA employees must be approved by the spokesperson and coordinated with him/her.

Lastly, the spokesperson is involved in drawing the attention and interest of the public to the subject of archaeology through the foundation of a group of archaeology trustees (The Mosaic Club).