The events in the past decades prove that Muslim authorities on the Temple Mount, which are officially controlled by Jordan but controlled by the Palestinian authority and Hamas in practice, have no concern of preserving even their own archaeological heritage, or advancing education, science, and culture at the site.
In 1999, the Muslim authorities excavated a gigantic pit in the south-eastern area of the Temple Mount using bulldozers and removing 400 truckloads of dirt. This was done without any archaeological control or supervision, and, as a result, we established the Temple Mount Sifting Project in order to save, preserve, and study the vast amount of archaeological artifacts buried in the soil that was discarded. We retrieved hundreds of thousands of artifacts from this soil dating to the First and Second Jewish Temple periods and onwards, including the Christian and Muslim era.
A very interesting Muslim artifact that was found is a seal, dating from the 18th century, of the prominent Muslim Qadi (Judge), who also served as the Jerusalem deputy Mufti. His name was Sheiq ‘Abd al-Fattah al-Tamimi. The current Waqf administrator, Sheiq Mohammed Azzam al-khatib al-Tamimi, the current director of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, is from the same family, and may be one of his descendants. It is ironic that Jewish archaeologists are the ones who preserve the Islamic Waqf heritage that was neglected and discarded by the Waqf itself.
Thank you! Your contribution helps support and further advance the research of the Temple Mount Sifting Project. It is our pleasure to send you an official thank you letter (by email) from our project directors.
Receive a PDF copy (via email) of our 40 page informative booklet about the project and the finds from the Temple Mount.
3,200 ancient coins haven’t yet been cleaned, identified and catalogued. Adopt a coin and get notified on its research phases.
Receive our 40 page English booklet with full-color pictures. It describes the Temple Mount Sifting Project, the finds uncovered so far, and their importance to the understanding of the history of the Temple Mount.
Receive a sample of soil - remains from the sifting of the Temple Mount soil, after the stones and the archaeological artifacts were removed from it. This soil contains large concentration of ashes from the destruction of the Temple, which gives it its grayish texture. Includes a certificate of authenticity by the project's archaeologists.
Receive your brass replica of the Second Temple Half-Shekel coin found by the Sifting Project. Two thousand years ago it was offered as a contribution for the Temple’s operation in accordance with the biblical commandment mentioned in Exodus 30:13. A person could give only half of what was needed and his neighbor's contribution would complete the donation. And so it is today, we could not hope to complete our work without your kind assistance. *Includes shipping
Receive a certificate of your membership, email updates about special finds before publication, subscription to our newsletter, and free admission to participate in the sifting for you and your family for one year. These gifts are included in all following gifts.
3,200 ancient coins haven’t yet been cleaned, identified and catalogued. Adopt five coins and get notified on their documentation and research phases.
Receive your sterling silver artisan-crafted replica of the Second Temple Half-Shekel coin in a beautiful olive wood box. Two thousand years ago it was offered as a contribution for the Temple’s operation in accordance with the biblical commandment mentioned in Exodus 30:13. A person could give only half of what was needed and his neighbor's contribution would complete the donation. And so it is today, we could not hope to complete our work without your kind assistance. The price includes shipping fee. This gift is included in all the following gifts (not including the arrowheads).
Buy this gift from our affiliate Moriah Collection and 50% will be donated to the TMSP. Miriam’s Drum Necklace with Temple Mount Stone set with Gold and Diamond. Pendant Dimensions: Round 2.1 cm/0.82″. The pendant comes with a silk thread.
Make a difference for hundreds of Israeli school kids by sponsoring a school class (35 students) participation in the Temple Mount Sifting Project !
We will send you an exact replica of an arrowhead that was found in the sifting and is dated to the days of the Maccabees. This is an amazing way to own a piece of history.
We will send you an exact gold plated replica of a rare Gold bead from the First Temple period that was found in the sifting. This bead was probably part of a necklace or bracelet that was worn by an important personage who visited the Temple.
We will send you an exact replica of a very important arrowhead from the destruction of the First Temple. It was found in the sifting and was most likely used by the Babylonian army who destroyed the Temple. This is an amazing way to own a piece of history and of your heritage.
We will send you an exact replica of a rare arrowhead from the days of King Solomon that was found in the sifting project. This is an amazing way to own a piece of history.
Buy this gift from our affiliate Moriah Collection and 50% will be donated to the TMSP. A Mezuzah case made of stone from the Temple Mount. The stone was smoothed and the letter “ש” in Hebrew is carved in the middle. A Mezuzah case is a lovely gift for any Jewish home. The weight of the mezuzah is 200 grams. The back is ready for gluing.
Help us keep the sifting operation going by funding the cost of the sifting site facility and staff. Receive a sterling silver artisan-crafted replica of the Second Temple Half-Shekel coin Half-Shekel, and a VIP tour the next time you visit the sifting.
We will create a home entrance sign for you from a non-archaeological Temple Mount stone. Your sign will be engraved with the name you provide us.
The Temple Mount Sifting Project recovers about one coin a day, over 6000 coins to date. Historically, the first coins are from the early days of the Second Temple (the Persian period). The coins have many interesting details that help us understand the period in which they were used. Some even have inscriptions in ancient Hebrew.
Assist us in translating 5,000 words of our content into Arabic, and we will give you credit for your contribution.
For invitations outside of Israel please contact us in advance to inquire the cost.
Get a personal tour of our Research Lab with up to 5 of your friends and family by one of our senior staff members. See and touch our amazing and important artifacts first hand and have your questions answered by the experts. *Larger groups can be accommodated if you get in touch at development@tmsifting.org.
Receive a private or a group tour of the Temple Mount led by one of the Sifting Project’s directors; world experts on Temple Mount archaeology. Hear of the finds which changed our understanding of the Temple Mount history.
We will send you a goldbracelet composed of exact replicas of the First Temple Period golden bead that was found in the sifting. This bead was probably part of a necklace or bracelet that was worn by an important personage who visited the Temple.
Buy this gift from our affiliate Moriah Collection and 50% will be donated to the TMSP. Set in 18K yellow or rose gold. Total gold weight 6.60 gr. The inscription on the ring: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not; if I set not Jerusalem above my utmost joy” Ps137:5-6"
You will get your name published in the publication as well as the opportunity to be in direct contact with the researchers working on your chapter. Click for more information.