The archaeological research of Jerusalem and Judah fascinates millions of people around the world, mainly due to the importance of this region since the early days of Judaism and Christianity and its prominence in Muslim tradition. The region has been explored by numerous scholars specializing in different fields, such as history, biblical studies, Second Temple Judaism, early Christianity, Islam, and ancient art. Archaeology plays a special role in this regard, as it enables a concrete reconstruction of the reality in which these cultures developed, offering a unique scholarly point of view.

The Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology was founded in 1934 as the Department of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1967 it became the Institute of Archaeology. Today the Institute is an independent research and teaching unit within the Faculty of Humanities, with a staff that provides administrative and scientific assistance as well as the technical facilities necessary to carry out its research projects.

The generous support of the Hertog family has facilitated the foundation of the Roger and Susan Hertog Center for the Archaeology of Jerusalem and Judah at the Institute of Archaeology. The Center promotes the archaeological study of the region through four main initiatives:

1. Supporting new field projects, such as surveys and excavations.
2. Supporting the publication of past excavations.
3. Providing scholarships for outstanding M.A., Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral students at the Institute of Archaeology for the study Jerusalem and Judah (in any period).
4. Holding an international conference on topics of interest concerning Jerusalem and Judah (annually or bi-annually).

To learn more about the Hertog Center, the Institute, and how Benjamin (z”l) and Eilat (z”l) Mazar continue to inspire and shape archaeological studies at the Hebrew University, please contact Suzanne Ponsot, Executive Director, Northeast Region,  American Friends of the Hebrew University.