HUQOQ, Israel, July 13, 2026 — One of Israel's most significant archaeological discoveries is becoming accessible to the public in a new way.

Although the ancient synagogue at Huqoq has attracted international attention since its mosaics were first discovered in 2012, the site has never been open to visitors. A new U.S.-Israel heritage initiative will preserve its extraordinary remains while, for the first time, allowing audiences in Israel and around the world to explore the site through digital experiences, educational resources, and immersive interpretation.

Announced last Thursday (July 9th) at Huqoq in the presence of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and representatives of leading Israeli and American institutions, the Judeo-Christian Heritage in the Galilee Project marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Israel's most remarkable archaeological sites. The project combines archaeological excavation and conservation, public interpretation, and digital engagement, laying the foundation for the synagogue's eventual opening to visitors while making its story accessible today.

Directed by Professor Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, excavations at Huqoq uncovered one of Israel's most important Late Antique synagogue sites. Its extraordinary mosaic floors, renowned for their exceptional artistic quality, remarkable preservation, and diverse iconographic program, have transformed scholarly understanding of Jewish life and visual culture in Roman-Byzantine Galilee. Alongside biblical narratives, the mosaics include rare and unusual scenes that continue to inspire new research.

While conservation and site development continue over coming years, the public will have more immediate access through digital channels. The project will create a dedicated website, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the synagogue, educational resources, documentary films, and interpretive content, allowing audiences worldwide to experience Huqoq long before it is ready to receive visitors.

U.S. Ambassador, Mike Huckabee, said:

"As Huqoq enters this important new phase, the United States is proud to partner with Israeli institutions to preserve one of the region's most significant archaeological treasures while making its remarkable story accessible to people around the world. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving shared cultural heritage through international cooperation and education."

"For more than a century, the Albright Institute has connected scholarship and heritage preservation," said Dr. James Fraser, Director of the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research. "This project ensures that extraordinary archaeological discoveries are not only preserved, but also shared with audiences around the world."

Professor Jodi Magness, Director of the Huqoq Excavation Project, said, "The discoveries at Huqoq have transformed our understanding of Jewish life in Late-Byzantine Galilee. It is exciting to see the site entering a new phase that preserves these remarkable remains while making them accessible to broader audiences."

The project brings together the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Huqoq Excavation Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Yigal Allon Centre, and additional Israeli partners.

The Israel Antiquities Authority is leading conservation work to stabilize and protect the synagogue's fragile remains in preparation for future public access.

Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said, "Conservation ensures that archaeological discoveries become lasting public heritage. Our responsibility is to protect these exceptional remains for future generations."

As the site's landowner and long-term steward, KKL-JNF is advancing plans to develop Huqoq as one of the Galilee's leading heritage destinations.

Eyal Ostrinsky, Chairman of KKL-JNF, said: "Preserving Israel's heritage and making it accessible to the public are an integral part of KKL-JNF's mission. Alongside protecting landscapes and open spaces, we work to ensure that the cultural and historical treasures of the Land of Israel continue to tell the story of the Jewish people for generations to come. Our commitment to Huqoq reflects this mission, as we continue to preserve this extraordinary archaeological site while developing it as one of the Galilee's leading heritage destinations."

The project also supports a dedicated exhibition on Huqoq currently on display at the Yigal Allon Centre.

"For years, Huqoq has transformed our understanding of the ancient Galilee," said Dr. Shua Kisilevitz, Project Director on behalf of the Albright Institute. "Our challenge now is to transform this extraordinary discovery into a heritage site people everywhere can experience. Archaeology reveals the past. Heritage makes it part of our future."

The Huqoq initiative is the first phase of the broader Judeo-Christian Heritage in the Galilee Project, a multi-year effort to preserve, interpret, and share important Jewish and Christian heritage sites across the Galilee. Future phases will expand to additional sites, including Bethsaida.