In a heartwarming turn of events, a four-year-old boy who accidentally broke a rare 3,500-year-old jar at an Israeli museum has been forgiven and even invited back. The Hecht Museum in Haifa, known for its open-access approach to history, has decided to turn the unfortunate incident into a valuable learning experience.
The boy, whose father identified him only as the youngest of three siblings, was exploring the museum when he stumbled upon the Bronze Age jar, one of many artifacts displayed without protective barriers. The boy’s father, Alex Geller, described his son as “exceptionally curious,” and recalled the moment he heard the crash, fearing the worst.
Despite the initial shock, the museum’s director, Inbar Rivlin, has chosen to see the incident as an opportunity for education. “We want to use this restoration as an educational opportunity and make sure they feel welcome to return,” she said. The Geller family, living in the northern Israeli town of Nahariya, was spending their summer break visiting museums and taking day trips to escape the tensions of the ongoing conflict. The boy’s father recounted how he was initially convinced the damage was caused by another child, only to be “in complete shock” when he discovered it was his son.
Fortunately, the museum staff reassured the family that the jar was insured and not a case of vandalism. They even invited them back for a make-up visit, turning a potentially stressful situation into a positive experience. The Hecht Museum plans to use the restoration process as a public educational opportunity, showcasing how 3D technology and high-resolution videos are employed to meticulously repair the artifact. The jar, which had been on display for 35 years, was unique for its size and completeness when discovered. Dating back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., it was likely used to hold wine or oil.
While the restoration process will take several days, Roee Shafir, a restoration expert at the museum, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning. He believes that allowing visitors to touch artifacts, even if accidents occur, fosters a deeper connection to history and archaeology. “I like that people touch. Don’t break, but to touch things, it’s important,” he said.
The Geller family is embracing the opportunity for their son to learn from this experience. While he may be too young to choose archaeology as a career path, he is looking forward to visiting the museum again and starting nursery school in September. The incident has also sparked interest in the local community, who are proud of their “local celebrity” and are eager to learn more about the restoration process.
Through this unusual incident, the Hecht Museum has not only shown compassion and forgiveness but also demonstrated the power of turning a mishap into a valuable educational moment. The museum’s commitment to open access and hands-on learning, coupled with its willingness to embrace the unexpected, makes this a story that resonates beyond the borders of Israel.
