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THE FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY INC

NEW YORK, NY · EIN 133621884 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A110 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Medium ($1M-$10M) · friendsofiaa.org
revenue
$1.5M
expenses
$3.3M
net assets
$6.0M
employees
0
volunteers
4
program ratio
97%
mission · from form 990

TO SUPPORT & PROMOTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND OTHER PROJECTS IN ISRAEL AND THE U.S.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority supports archaeological research, conservation, and education initiatives in Israel. It funds projects by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), including marine archaeology, the preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the construction of the Schottenstein National Campus. The organization enables public access to Israel’s archaeological heritage through museums, digital archives, and conservation programs.

named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Adopt a Scroll
Enables donors to sponsor the conservation of individual Dead Sea Scroll fragments, supporting preservation efforts by the IAA
Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
Future headquarters of the IAA that will house national archaeological treasures, conservation labs open to the public, and research facilities
Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
Online digital archive offering free access to high-resolution images of over 25,000 Dead Sea Scrolls fragments, developed in partnership with Google
Marine Archaeology Unit
Conducts underwater excavations along Israel’s Mediterranean coast, Sea of Galilee, Red Sea, and Dead Sea, focusing on shipwrecks, ancient harbors, and submerged prehistoric settlements
Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center
Presents in-situ the 3rd-century Roman Lod mosaic, one of the finest and largest mosaics found in Israel, to the public and promotes cultural tourism in Lod
activities · 3 groups

What they do

  • Archaeological and Cultural Conservation 5 activities
    • Combats illicit antiquities trade and protects archaeological heritage
      Protects Israel’s archaeological heritage by monitoring the legal antiquities market, inspecting shops, recovering stolen artifacts, and prosecuting traffickers. Uses cyber experts to track online trafficking, recovers smuggled items from neighboring countries, and has recovered rare items such as a Neolithic stone mask and a large collection of Fatimid gold coins.
    • Conserves and preserves ancient artifacts and archaeological materials
      Conducts comprehensive conservation of artifacts including Dead Sea Scroll fragments, using photography, cleaning, adhesive removal, and structural reinforcement. Houses approximately two million artifacts and hundreds of thousands of items spanning from prehistoric to Ottoman periods, with dedicated conservators and public viewing of conservation labs.
    • Operates public archaeological museums and exhibitions
      Operates the Davidson Center and a public archaeological center in Lod to display significant finds, including the Lod mosaic, First and Second Temple period artifacts, and rare inscriptions. Features immersive elements such as 3D models of ancient Jerusalem and preserved drainage channels with artifacts from the Roman destruction period.
    • Restores and develops archaeological sites for public access
      Restores and develops archaeological sites such as Horvat El-Bira and the Davidson Center in Jerusalem, including site cleanup, construction of visitor amenities like seating areas, and integration with public trails. Reopened renovated sites with modern visitor experiences, including interactive exhibits and preserved ancient streets.
    • Supports archaeological excavations and fieldwork across Israel
      Supports over 300 archaeological excavations annually throughout Israel, including major projects such as the Roman Theater in Beth Shean, the Ophel area, and underwater sites like ancient shipwrecks and submerged Neolithic settlements. Activities include excavation work shifts from Sunday to Thursday and the use of advanced technology for mapping submerged antiquities.
  • Jewish Textual and Educational Publishing 1 activity
    • Conducts and publishes archaeological research
      Completes major scholarly publications including a 40-volume series on the Dead Sea Scrolls and ongoing publication of the Archaeological Survey of Israel. Publishes peer-reviewed journals Atiqot and Hadashot Arkheologiyot, contributing to academic understanding of Israel’s archaeological record.
  • Jewish and Cultural Heritage Archives 1 activity
    • Provides digital access to archaeological collections
      Maintains a free online digital library imaging over 25,000 Dead Sea Scroll fragments using advanced technology and an online database of published artifacts accessible to researchers and the public, with regular updates and new additions.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.51M
Contributions & grants$1.46M97%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$45K3%
Other revenue$1
expenses
Total expenses$3.29M
Program expenses97%
Admin / overhead2%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$3.18M
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$6.03M
Cash$976K
Investments$0
Liabilities$22K
Net assets$6.01M
Liquid reserves3.6 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -83.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 4
  • ADAM O EMMERICH — PRESIDENT, TREASURER & ASST. SECRETARY
  • JAY SCHOTTENSTEIN — DIRECTOR
  • MICHELE TOCCI — DIRECTOR
  • SHELBY WHITE — CHAIR
relationships · 44

Who they work with

  • Altes Museum Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Arcadia Fund Funder — Additional funder of the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
  • Barbara and Bernard Osher Foundation Funder — Supports the Bernard Osher Dead Sea Scrolls Study Galleries and Center for Housing the Complete Collection of Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • Columbus Museum of Art Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter Partner — Involved in the redevelopment and management of the Davidson Center and Jerusalem Archaeological Park.
  • David Berg Foundation Funder — Supports the campus through funding the David Berg Foundation Pavilion.
  • Field Museum Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Fondazione Cini Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Google Partner — Technology partner in developing the digital library platform
  • Hermitage Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Interpol Partner — Collaborates with Interpol to share information and best practices on monitoring the antiquities trade.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Collaborated on the excavation, conservation, and display of the Lod mosaic.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Collaborates to establish the Schottenstein National Campus as the headquarters of the Israel Antiquities Authority, housing its national collections and conservation labs.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Collaborates with the Israel Antiquities Authority in managing and presenting archaeological finds at the Davidson Center.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Collaborates with the Israel Antiquities Authority on the National Treasures Department to house, document, and provide access to antiquities collections.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Collaborates with the Israel Antiquities Authority to organize and facilitate volunteer participation in archaeological excavations.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Led the renovation project of the Davidson Center, including archaeological curation and site excavation.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Primary implementing partner for archaeological projects in Israel.
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Primary partner in the conservation and digitization of the Dead Sea Scrolls
  • Israel Antiquities Authority Partner — Primary partner organization; the Friends of the IAA provides financial support and promotes its archaeological work.
  • Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums Partner — IAA assumed duties of its predecessor, the Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums (IDAM), in 1990.
  • Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation Funder — Funds components of the National Campus, including the Mandel National Library and Scientific Archives.
  • Leon Levy Foundation Funder — Lead funder of the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
  • Leon Levy Foundation Partner — Provided funding for the re-exposure, conservation, and establishment of the permanent center for the Lod mosaic.
  • Leon and Sandra Levine Foundation Funder — Funds the Leon and Sandra Levine Dead Sea Scrolls Education and Learning Area and Meeting Hall.
  • Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust Funder — Supports the Schottenstein National Campus through philanthropic contributions.
  • Louvre Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art Partner — Hosted the Lod mosaic during its international exhibition tour.
  • Moshe Safdie Partner — Engaged as the architect to design the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus, aligning contemporary architecture with Jerusalem’s heritage.
+ 14 more
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Community-Engaged Heritage Conservation
    methodology: community-engaged heritage conservation
    By involving volunteers and the public directly in conservation and archaeological work, we foster stewardship and broader community participation because hands-on engagement builds personal investment in cultural heritage preservation.
  • Open Access as a Tool for Global Heritage Awareness
    methodology: open_access_heritage
    By making archaeological heritage and research freely available through digital platforms and international outreach, we expand global public awareness and support because removing access barriers enables broader engagement and fosters international advocacy.
  • Public Engagement Through Immersive and Accessible Education
    methodology: immersive_education
    By combining physical and digital immersion with accessible educational formats, we increase public awareness and engagement with archaeological heritage because experiential learning fosters deeper understanding and appreciation of historical narratives.