Volunteers Search for Temple Artifacts Among Wakf Mount Refuse

reprinted from Arutz Sheva
12:54 Oct 19, '05 / 16 Tishrei 5766

(IsraelNN.com) A nature reserve below Mount Scopus in Jerusalem is the scene of an ongoing archaeological rescue project today. Dozens of volunteers are searching through refuse dumped at the site by the Muslim Wakf of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City during their construction of underground mosques. Archaeologists have found among the refuse many artifacts of historical import, including from the First Temple (that built by the Biblical King Solomon) period.

The volunteers are working under the direction of archaeologist Tzachi Zweig. The rainy weather has kept many potential volunteers away, however.

The organizers of the today's excavation project are seeking to set up sukkot at the site, where they wish to display their recent finds. The police, however, have stated that the event is unauthorized. An emergency petition to the High Court of Justice has been filed this morning in an effort to obtain an injunction against the police.

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