In Haifa, Israel, a 4-year-old boy who inadvertently broke a rare 3,500-year-old jar at an Israeli museum has been forgiven and is even being invited back by curators who view the incident as an opportunity for education and growth.
Alex Geller, the boy’s father, recounted the moments following the mishap, revealing his first thought was a desperate hope that his child was not involved. The father explained that despite his son being exceptionally curious, he was typically not one to break things; the boy simply wanted to see what was inside the jar when the accident occurred last Friday.
The jar from the Bronze Age was displayed without protective barriers at the Hecht Museum, which is affiliated with Haifa University. Inbar Rivlin, the museum director, stated the exhibition philosophy encourages direct interaction with history, permitting visitors to explore artifacts up close.
Rivlin added that the family’s abrupt departure after the incident indicated they were likely overwhelmed. However, she sees this as a teachable moment and hopes to welcome them back to underscore the museum’s educational mission.
Residing in Nahariya, a northern Israeli town close to the Lebanese border, the Geller family has endured significant tension from ongoing conflicts, including Hezbollah rocket fire. Trying to escape these hardships, the family spent their summer visiting museums and taking day trips across Israel, seeking solace in educational outings.
The museum was bustling with children that day, and Geller initially hoped another child was responsible for the damage. However, when he realized it was his son, he was stunned. His wife quickly calmed their child and explained the severity of what transpired. Meanwhile, Geller informed the security guards, hoping it was a replica rather than an authentic artifact.
Museum officials reassured the family that the jar was insured. Upon reviewing security footage and confirming the incident was accidental, they invited the Gellers for a return visit. This community gesture gained notable interest, with their tight-knit Nahariya community following media reports closely and taking pride in the local family’s story.
The Hecht Museum aims to utilize this interest to attract more visitors and highlight the artifact restoration process. Employing 3D technology and high-resolution videos, experts plan to restore the jar within days and aim to have it back on display by next week.
Geller mentioned that his older children are particularly fascinated by the restoration process and the advanced technology involved. The jar, which had been exhibited for 35 years, was among the few complete containers from its era, traditionally used to store wine or oil, dating back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C.
Roee Shafir, a restoration expert, indicated that repairing the jar would be manageable since all fragments belonged to a single artifact. Unlike more challenging restorations that involve piecing together mixed shards, this task is more straightforward.
Shafir elaborated that the restoration would take several days, as they meticulously glue a few pieces at a time using special adhesive, documenting the entire process for educational purposes. Despite the occasional accident, Shafir advocates for keeping artifacts accessible for public interaction, believing that tactile engagement can foster a deeper appreciation for history and archaeology.
Geller remarked that while his son is too young to contemplate a career in archaeology, the boy eagerly anticipates their upcoming visit to the museum as a special guest and the beginning of nursery school in September.
