New exhibition shows how Israeli archaeologists helped identify 7 October victims
In October 2023, the Israeli Antiquities Authority's experts used their skills in ancient site analysis to help with the forensic investigation of a modern tragedy
In the aftermath of 7 October 2023, experts in forensic analysis came from across Israel to help with the terrible task of locating and identifying the remains of those murdered. Among their number were experts from the the Israel Antiquities Authority, which found itself operating in scenes of modern destruction, using its archaeological tools and specialists on ancient sites to decipher the present. A powerful new exhibition now tells the awful story of that effort – and its aftermath.
“Rising from the Ashes: Archaeology in a National Crisis”, opened last week at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein national campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem.
While archaeologists have always studied, examined and analysed sites thousands of years old, in this case they operated under extraordinary circumstances in the heart of the scene of one of the most difficult chapters in Israel’s history: ravaged kibbutzim, burnt houses, charred roads and cars, and the Nova Festival massacre.
Project Director, Leora Berry said: “Professionals who developed their skills and tools to engage in interpreting ancient archaeology found themselves digging amongst the rubble of just-destroyed houses, and through their unique expertise were able to see and identify the scant human remains, and thus restored their faces, names and memory.”
Bereaved families closed a loop thanks to the work of the archaeologists, who, in cooperation with the army, managed to locate 16 missing persons whose whereabouts had been unknown.
Valuable personal objects were also found that helped to reveal their fate, including Stav Miles, who received the jewellery that her mother, the late Yona Fricker made – which she will now wear on her wedding day. And the family of the late Shani Gabay also received definitive evidence about her fate, after her necklace with a pendant was discovered, right at the spot where she was now understood to have been murdered.
The Israel Antiquities Authority, in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Heritage and the Tekuma Directorate, also established a national documentation project – to reproduce the destruction sites by creating 3D models, or “digital twins,” using modern and extensive technologies originally developed to document and present huge ancient archaeological sites.
Visitors can view and interact with advanced sensory and technological displays including a wall with photographs of items found by excavation and screens to explore the 3D models of the destruction sites.
Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority said it was their duty “to preserve, document, and ensure the survival of the memory of the most difficult episodes in our history, from which we must grow and learn. The Jewish people have always known how to rise from pain, even after the most severe destruction.”
Israel’s minister of heritage, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, called the establishment of the exhibition “an act of deep preservation – not only of stones, but of spirit”, highlighting the mission “to document the destruction, to collect the fragments, and to transform them into a building block of our national memory. As a people who returned to their country after years of exile, we know that the powers of the spirit and of memory are truly cornerstones of revival.”
The “Rising from the Ashes” Exhibition is NOT suitable for children. The tour is open only to groups, not individuals. Each tour is accompanied by professional and sensitive guidance.
- The TKUMA Directorate was established in the aftermath of the October 7th attack, with a mission to rehabilitate and promote the growth of the region and its inhabitants.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
