“Masada Shall Not Fall Again!”
From the Israel Defense Forces Oath of Loyalty.
The view from atop Masada towards the Dead Sea, lowest place on Earth.
Masada combines a powerful story with a stunning physical backdrop. The result is a must-see site even though there’s no discernible biblical connection to this place. Masada is only an 80 minute drive from Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. it can be seen in the course of an easy day trip from the capital.
One usually approaches Masada from the east, near the Dead Sea. Driving up the road we begin to see a slivery path below the plateau. That’s the Snake Path, the only way to the top until the Israel Park’s Authority installed the cable car in 1971. The cable car takes three minutes to the top. Walking will take the average hiker 40-45 minutes and shouldn’t be attempted after the early morning hours. If you’re very fit expect a 25 minute ascent.
Upon arrival at the summit expect to spend between 45 minutes and two hours. Most people suffice with the former. Stops to make include the Bath House, Northern Palace, Water System demonstration, ancient synagogue (most days it contains a scribe writing scrolls in an air-conditioned room, don’t miss this), and Roman ramp on the western side of the plateau.
Masada features strongly as a part of the Israeli psyche. When you learn about this place and what it represents for Israelis you may begin a wide-ranging exploration of Israeli’s connection to their ancient culture and modern state. Masada Shall Not Fall Again.