The ambassador’s grandchildren—using metal-detection equipment provided for the visit—located five coins that may date from the Bar Kokhba period, the Great Revolt, or the Late Roman era.
By Shula Rosen
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee’s family visit to the Binyamin region turned into an unexpected archaeological event when his grandchildren uncovered several ancient coins inside a newly identified cave near Na’ale.
The discovery took place during a guided tour of local caves arranged by political consultant Ruthie Lieberman and tour guide Sarah Paley, with Bar-Ilan University archaeologist Dr. Dvir Raviv leading the group.
According to Raviv, the family entered two caves during the tour. The first, already known in the area, contained pieces of a jar dating to the 2nd century CE, evidence he said pointed to its use as a hiding place during the Bar Kokhba Revolt.
The second cave had not been previously documented, and Huckabee’s grandchildren—using metal-detection equipment provided for the visit—located five coins that may date from the Bar Kokhba period, the Great Revolt, or the Late Roman era.
Raviv said it was striking to see a senior American official joining his family in a hands-on exploration of the region’s ancient history.
After the find, Huckabee, joined by his wife as well as his daughter, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, her husband, and their children, continued to Ancient Shiloh.
The group toured the site with Eliana Passentin, head of the Binyamin Region’s Foreign Affairs Desk. Huckabee, who has visited the area repeatedly and maintains close ties with Binyamin Gov. Yisrael Ganz, said Ancient Shiloh holds deep personal meaning.
He told officials the site demonstrates that “miracles can happen, 3,000 years ago and even today.”
Ganz welcomed the ambassador’s return, calling the visit a reminder of the region’s historical significance. He said the artifacts discovered by the family “are the best testimony to our historical right to every part of the Land of Israel.”
Lieberman added that the tour is part of a broader initiative aimed at deepening the connection between Israel’s supporters in the United States and communities throughout Judea and Samaria.
Huckabee has made visits to Binyamin a regular practice, and this marks his third time at Ancient Shiloh—now joined by grandchildren who unexpectedly contributed to the archaeological record.
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