During March 2006, a survey was conducted in the vicinity of Giv‘at Ha-Berakhot in Moshav Zofit (Permit No. A-4738*; map ref. NIG 19210–35/67820–40; OIG 14210–35/17820–40; Fig. 1), prior to development work. The survey, conducted on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and financed by the local council, was directed by P. Spivak, with the assistance of O. Marder, A. Azav and L. Yhiye.
The hamra hill is covered with a late, thin, sandy layer that is typical of numerous Epipaleolithic sites in the Sharon region. In the wake of the survey it seems that an Epipaleolithic site, represented by Kebaran and Geometric Kebaran flint industries, existed on the hilltop at the end of the Late Pleistocene. The site was first surveyed in the 1970s by E. Ayalon and I. Gilead who reported a rich Epipaleolithic site. It should be noted that Tel Zofit and Gat Rimmon are the only Epipaleolithic sites to have survived in the eastern hamra strip.
During the course of the survey flint implements (cores, tools and industrial debitage) that are typical of Epipaleolithic sites were found (Fig. 2). The densest concentrations (dozens of items per square meter) were identified close to the hilltop and became sparser the farther one descended from the hilltop; only isolated items were found in the more distant areas. Most of the flint items were located on the hill’s southwestern and southeastern slopes (see map). The thick vegetation at the foot of the hill and a row of cypress trees, a debris heap and agricultural installations to the north and east of the hill prevented the completion of the survey.
The aim of the survey was to locate the settlement’s nucleus and delineate its boundaries. The results of the survey indicate that in all likelihood, settlement remains are present in the area marked in red (see map). It seems that the nucleus of the site was on the hilltop where it suffered damage by construction and development work.