Love Story Born Among the Antiquities of the Biblical City

Two American archaeologists, Clayton Van Hess and Dr. Abigail Van Hess, met at the excavation site in ancient Shiloh, married there, and plan to settle in Israel. Their love story unfolded among ancient pottery and a rare purple shell discovered in a mikveh.

An archaeological love story: Clayton Van Hess and Dr. Abigail Van Hess, two American archaeologists, met at the excavation site in ancient Shiloh. Clayton, then a student of archaeology, tried to impress Abigail, a co-director of the dig, with a find that turned out to be pieces of ancient toilet paper. His persistence won her heart, and two years ago he proposed. They married at the excavation site last year, with their families watching live from the US. During the war, they watched missile interceptions over the site, and after the wedding they had to leave via Egypt due to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport—a journey they called a 'reverse Exodus.' Now they plan a future in Israel: Clayton will study at Ariel University, and they are considering permanent settlement. Benjamin Regional Council head Israel Gantz congratulated the couple. Clayton sums up: 'Abigail is my most amazing find.'

Love Story Born Among the Antiquities of the Biblical City