Met at Shiloh Excavations, Married Where Hannah Prayed

An American archaeologist couple met at the ancient Shiloh excavation site, married at the spot where Hannah prayed, and continue working there even during the war. The excavation season yielded ancient jars and a rare purple shell.

Clayton and Abigail Van Hess, an American archaeologist couple, met at the ancient Shiloh excavation site, where Abigail was Clayton's supervisor. Two years ago he proposed, and last year they married at the site itself, while their families in the US watched live. Even the war did not keep them away: they saw missile interceptions above the site and had to leave Israel via Egypt after Ben Gurion Airport closed. The excavation season ended with archaeological finds including ancient jars and a rare purple shell found in a mikveh. The couple is now considering settling in Israel, and Clayton plans to study at Ariel University. Head of the Binyamin Council, Israel Gantz, said that ancient Shiloh is the birthplace of the Hebrew holiday of love.