Ancient Coins Discovered in Binyamin by Huckabee’s Grandchildren

What began as a family tour in the hills of Binyamin turned into a moment of archaeological discovery when US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee’s grandchildren unearthed ancient coins during a visit near Na’ale. The impromptu excavation took place during a guided tour of newly identified caves, offering a vivid link between today’s visitors and the ancient people who once took shelter there.

The family was led by Bar-Ilan University archaeologist Dr. Dvir Raviv, along with tour guide Sarah Paley and political consultant Ruthie Lieberman. During the excursion, the group explored two caves one previously known to archaeologists and a second, undocumented one, where the coins were found.

Using metal detectors provided for the tour, Huckabee’s grandchildren uncovered five coins believed to date back to the Bar Kokhba Revolt, the Great Revolt, or possibly the Late Roman period. Dr. Raviv noted that the first cave contained shards from a 2nd-century CE jar, consistent with known hiding places from the Jewish revolts against Rome.

Seeing an American official and his family physically engage with Israel’s archaeological legacy was not just symbolic it was meaningful. Raviv remarked on the power of such moments to bridge ancient and modern Israel, saying the family’s active participation brought history to life.

After the discovery, the group which included Huckabee’s wife, daughter Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, her husband, and their children traveled on to Ancient Shiloh, one of the most significant biblical sites in Judea and Samaria.

Eliana Passentin, head of the Binyamin Region’s Foreign Affairs Desk, led the tour of Shiloh, a place Huckabee described as deeply meaningful to him personally. “Miracles can happen, 3,000 years ago and even today,” he said, underscoring the spiritual and historical resonance of the site.

Binyamin Governor Yisrael Ganz welcomed the ambassador and his family, praising their discovery as “the best testimony to our historical right to every part of the Land of Israel.” The visit, Ganz added, serves as a reminder of the enduring Jewish connection to Judea and Samaria one that continues to be reaffirmed by both ancient findings and modern support.

Ruthie Lieberman, who organized the visit, said the tour is part of a broader effort to strengthen bonds between Israel and its American supporters by creating meaningful encounters in the biblical heartland.

This marked Huckabee’s third visit to Ancient Shiloh and now, with grandchildren who have literally unearthed pieces of Jewish history, the trip became far more than symbolic. It became a family legacy tied to the very soil of Israel.

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