Dr. Omri Abadi is an archaeologist and historian researcher, specializing in the study of the Land of Israel during the classical periods – Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. His high-quality and pioneering works, replete with profound insights and original ideas, focus on interpreting the society in Judea and Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. He masterfully synthesizes the physical archaeological findings, Talmudic sources, and ancient Roman testimonies with complex social theories examining social structures, the formation of elites and classes, and the shaping of group identities. From his erudite pen have emerged innovations in the study of ethno-national identity in the Hasmonean Kingdom, the significance of Jewish burial practices as a gateway to ancient society, the decipherment of the enigma of ancient Hebrew script, the illumination of testimonies regarding the Great Revolt in Rabbinic legends and the writings of Josephus, and the unveiling of the distinct Samaritan identity in late antiquity. However, Dr. Abadi's monumental flagship project lies in the archaeology of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, from which pioneering articles have already been published, and a comprehensive, groundbreaking book on this subject is soon to be unveiled. Through his multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Abadi has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the complex tapestry of ancient Judean society and its multifarious identities. His meticulous excavations, coupled with his extensive knowledge of textual sources and social theories, have shed new light on the intricate dynamics that shaped the socio-cultural and religious landscape of the region during these formative periods. Dr. Abadi's work stands as a testament to the enduring value of archaeological and historical inquiry in unraveling the intricate narratives of humanity's past, while simultaneously informing our comprehension of the present.