Antiquities robbers arrested after damaging Roman-period cave in Galilee

“The Hittin area is recognized as an archaeological complex of historical importance,” said Nir Distelfeld, supervisor of the Antiquities Authority’s robbery prevention unit in the north.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

A gang of four antiquities robbers was caught red-handed on Sunday afternoon while digging inside an ancient Roman-period burial cave near Hittin, on the edge of the Arbel Valley, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Monday.

The suspects caused severe damage to the site, which is located in a protected antiquities area.

The suspects were apprehended in a joint operation by the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Robbery Prevention Unit and the police.

After being taken to Tiberias for questioning, the suspects claimed they had come to the area to “hunt porcupines and pick mushrooms,” but eventually admitted to using digging tools inside the burial cave.

“The Hittin area is recognized as an archaeological complex of historical importance,” said Nir Distelfeld, supervisor of the Antiquities Authority’s robbery prevention unit in the north.

“Any damage to an antiquities site is a direct damage to our ability to study the past and pass it on to future generations. Burial caves and ancient sites are one-time sources of knowledge, and it is heartbreaking to see the destruction done for the sake of money.”

The Hittin area is historically significant. To the east, during the Roman and Byzantine periods, was the Talmudic town of Hitia, a large Jewish settlement in the 3rd century CE.

Hitia is mentioned in Talmudic sources as the residence of Rabbi Yaakov Ish and Reish Lakish. Archaeological evidence suggests that its residents were mainly engaged in wheat cultivation.

To the west of Hittin lay another settlement, Al-Ma’atser, whose ancient name remains unknown.

Pottery and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods have been documented in previous surveys of the area, including studies led by Prof. Uzi Liebner of the Hebrew University.

“The Hittin area is known from sources and research as a place where Jewish life has existed for generations,” said Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu.

“When such sites are damaged – and even more so maliciously – our right to preserve the material evidence of the existence of Jewish heritage here is violated. This is an attack on memory, identity, and the ability to pass on the story of the place to future generations.”

The suspects were released on their own recognizance at the conclusion of the investigation.