The largest Israeli archaeological expedition ever organized will soon start systematic searches for ancient scrolls believed still hidden in caves in the Judean Desert, it was announced here today by Dr, Benjamin Mazar, president of the Hebrew University, who is also chairman of the Israel Exploration Society.
Scrolls and other relics are believed hidden in the caves where, recently, archaeological diggings have discovered many fragments and artifacts hidden by Jewish rebels in their revolt against the Romans, after the destruction of the second Temple.
While there was no official statement to that effect, it is believed that many scroll scraps and other antiquities have been stolen from those caves by roaming Bedouins who later sold the valuable materials in Jordan. The area is near the Jordanian border.
The new expedition, according to Prof. Mazar, will include members of the Exploration Society, members of the Hebrew University faculty, students, and staff members of the government’s Antiquities Department. The expedition will receive full support from the Israeli Army, including transport, communication, supplies and protection.
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