ABSTRACT
Community archaeology is a relatively new subfield in archaeology aimed at engaging and involving local communities in protecting, promoting, interpreting and benefiting from the archaeological and heritage sites within their communities. This approach enriches archaeological investigations by giving local communities a sense of pride, ownership and identity. A local community aware of the significance of a heritage site will protect the archaeological process as a whole. Strategies are here discussed for participation between archaeologists, heritage specialist and local communities. A community-based approach to doing archaeology in Palestine is of utmost importance as Palestinians have gone through monumental changes in the last few decades. Many are displaced refugees within their own country and the Diaspora. Many of the archaeological sites in the Palestinian territories have been neglected or destroyed, due to the harsh economic, social and political realities. As a result a heritage-absent future awaits younger generations. Involving the community in exploring their heritage is the only way to protect and preserve this heritage as a shared history, supporting Palestinian cultural identity and awareness.
