Emergency Archaeological Research Activity description: The aftermath of the October 7th attack posed challenges never seen before. The number of casualties and the horrific ways in which people were murdered left Israel with a high number of missing people and a nationwide effort to identify and bring them to rest. That’s when Israel’s spirit of innovation and volunteering stepped in, and unorthodox solutions were suggested. Israeli archaeologists are among the busiest in the world, unearthing ancient remains of immeasurable importance to humankind. Soon after October 7th, they were called to do something archaeologists had never done before: look through burnt houses and vehicles, using their expertise in identifying small human remains to find evidence of the missing people. Now, they are eager to share their story. Visit the new home of Israel’s Antiquities Authority and meet with the archaeologists who took part in this unique and emotional operation. The Israel Antiquities Authority is an independent Israeli governmental authority responsible for enforcing the 1978 Law of Antiquities. The IAA regulates excavation and conservation and promotes research. It is responsible for preserving and investigating Israel's archaeological heritage while balancing its development needs with preserving its antiquities. The authority is responsible for excavating, preserving, and investigating antiquities sites and invests great efforts in the development and preservation of ancient buildings in Israel's historic cities.