""Grandpa, look what we found," the grandchildren of US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, exclaimed with excitement as they pulled out five ancient coins from a hidden cave recently discovered near the settlement of Na'ale in Binyamin.
The family members participated in a unique archaeological tour initiated by Ruthie Lieberman, political consultant and founder of the Yes-Israel project, and Sarah Paley.
The tour was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Dvir Raviv from Bar Ilan University, who is conducting an archaeological survey at the site.
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In the first cave they reached, which was known to residents of the area, fragments of a jar from the second century AD were found - evidence that it was used as a hiding place for refugees during the Bar Kokhba revolt.
In the second cave, which is not known to the public, the grandchildren were equipped with a metal detector and discovered five ancient coins, possibly from the Bar Kochba Revolt, the Great Revolt, or the late Roman period.
""It was amazing to see a senior person who cares so much about connecting to the land with his family," said Dr. Raviv.
After visiting the caves, Huckabee and his wife, the daughter of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, her husband and their family continued to ancient Shiloh, accompanied by the director of the Benjamin Council's overseas desk, Eliana Fenstein.
The ambassador, who has previously visited the site several times as a guest of Council Chairman Israel Gantz, said: "I have a warm place in my heart for ancient Shiloh. It's amazing to come to a place that proves that miracles can happen, 3,000 years ago and even today.".
The head of the Binyamin Council, Israel Gantz, said: "We were pleased to host Ambassador Huckabee and his family at the archaeological sites of Binyamin - the place where heritage was revived. The findings they discovered are the best evidence of our historical right to all parts of the Land of Israel.".
Ruthie Lieberman added: "This tour is part of a series of tours aimed at strengthening the connection between supporters of Israel in the United States and our homeland.".
Huckabee, a friend of the settlement in Judea and Samaria, has made visits to Binyamin a veritable tradition. This is the third time he has returned to ancient Shiloh - this time with his grandchildren.
