The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is the leading organization in Israel devoted to safeguarding the country's archaeological heritage. Some 400 strong, the IAA staff upholds its complex Antiquities Law through a variety of departments, ranging from Art Conservation to Robbery Prevention. About half of those working at the IAA are archaeologists who excavate throughout the country in different departments organized by region: north, south, center, and Jerusalem. In addition, the IAA's marine branch deals with the coast, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea.
In June 2009, I spent two days with the IAA's Jerusalem division, learning about everything from grouting bullet holes in Zion Gate to ambushing tomb looters from the West Bank.—Eti Bonn-Muller
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