Archaeology is a branch of science that is first and foremost made by the people for the people. The Ashdod-Yam Archaeological Project intends to develop a number of community projects that will engage the residents of the city of Ashdod in the ongoing process of unearthing, preserving and presenting archaeological data to the public.

​

The modern city of Ashdod possesses a vibrant community of some 230,000 residents, consisting of many groups with diverse cultural and social backgrounds: Jews of different origin (Moroccan, Georgian, Russian, Ethiopian, just to name a few) and non-Jews; religious (Jewish Orthodox, Karaite and Christian communities) and non-religious. Involving local communities of the city of Ashdod in the archaeological investigation and preservation of their local heritage will contribute to a sense of place and pride, linking the past with the present.