Pupils from the Nofim Elementary School in Migdal HaEmeq, guided and accompanied by the Israel Antiquities Authority, are establishing a community-educational archaeological park situated between the ‘Ein Hilo and Mujidal antiquities sites in Migdal HaEmeq.

A first of its kind educational-archaeological project is taking place these days between the ‘Ein Hilo and Mujidal antiquities sites in Migdal HaEmeq. Some 140 third-sixth grade pupils in the Nofim Elementary School in Migdal HaEmeq, are taking part and participating in the establishment of a community archaeology park.

The pupils, who are studying the archaeological and historical material in the classroom and the field, are partners in building the park and, together with the staff of the Israel Antiquties Authority, are creating the unique signage located in the park. Stone benches that are adorned with ceramic tiles decorated by the pupils and captions they wrote in the spirit of the history of the place will shortly be set in place along the approach path to the park.

Some three years ago the Israel Antiquities Authority conducted excavations on the slope between two ancient settlement sites: the site of Ein Hilo which was inhabited from the Bronze Age until the days of the Kingdom of Israel (2,200-1,000 BCE), and the site of Mujidal, where a settlement was established in the Persian period (c. 500 BCE). In an area that was originally used to cultivate crops, process agricultural products, produce building materials and conduct burials, wine presses for producing wine, burial caves and stone quarries have been found. Having brought the Ministry of Construction and Housing on board, which funded the excavations, the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Archaeological Center of the Galilee and the municipality of Migdal HaEmeq, decided with the help of the Nature Protection Society to involve the pupils in the work and turn the site into an educational-community park for the benefit of the local residents and the environment.

From 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, on Wednesday May 16, 2007, the school’s pupils will be in the park for a celebration, during which they will participate in various work stations in the field that include conservation stations, an archeological simulation exposing a wine press, cooking in nature etc. The media is invited.

Upon completion of the work the school will adopt the site and turn it into an external study environment where programs dealing with history, archaeology, nature, landscape and heritage will be taught. Grape vines and various orchard florae will also be planted in the park. The site will also constitute a green place for the region’s residents who will be able to enjoy the recreation in the park and its attractions.