Masada, Qumran, and the Dead Sea

I had read a little bit about Masada, but the visit was spectacular both for the questionable ancient history and for the way its been used in modern Israel.  The Jewish historian Josephus, recorded the story of the Roman siege of a group Jewish zealots known as the sicarii here, which he dates at 72 AD.  The story is that when the zealots realized that they were doomed to be enslaved, they killed their wives and children and drew lots to decide who would kill the others and who would have to kill himself (a major taboo in Jewish law).

Yigael Yadin, archeologist and Lieutenant General of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), claimed that excavations reinforced Josephus Flavius's account, and it has been used to promote nationalism and unity in Israel, especially among young IDF soldiers.

The doubts about the modern archeologists' findings and the ancient account are really compelling.  Check them out:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/ancient-battle-divides-israel-as-masada-myth-unravels-1275878.html

We'll post some photos from today's visit to Masada, Qumran, and the Dead Sea -- especially the photos of some of us covered in mud!   They probably won't go on-line until tomorrow evening.

Tomorrow we will stay in the Bethlehem area -- (copying from our itinerary) We'll visit the Dar al-Kalima Model School and its Health and Wellness Center.  These places promote healthy development of the local community, Christians and Muslims alike, to take their place in the Palestinian future.  We will visit the Badil center, an organization that advocates for Palestinian refugees.  We will also meet with the director of the Wi'am Center for Conflict Resolution and Peace and visit the Deheishe Refugee Camp.  More tomorrow!