Pilgrimage Reflection

A Journey of Faith to the Bible Land: A Parish Pilgrimage to Israel

Picture Above: Pilgrims at Masada Tour

Pictuers Below:

1) Walls of Jericho

2) View of the Dead Sea from Masada

3) Pilgrims in the Dead Sea

A second guest reflection by Christ Church pilgrim, Katie Ong-Landini

 

Ancient Ruins

This morning, we hit the road early--at 7:30 a.m., our earliest start yet--and headed south through the Judean Desert to the ancient fortress of Masada. On our original itinerary, this trip was an option for our last Saturday, but because of a number of changes made once we arrived, the tour company incorporated the visit while we were in the Dead Sea region--and we are so grateful that all of us made this trek. It is a wondrous site.

Built by Herod the Great (d. 4 BCE) as a palace and fortress, Masada sits atop a mountain by the west coast of the Dead Sea. According to our guide Roni, Herod chose this spot, accessible by the long, narrow "Snake Path", because he would be able to escape across the Dead Sea to Petra, then via land to Rome, if an enemy army ever invaded.

This site is considered by many Israelis to be the most significant place for the Jewish people because of the stand taken by the group of zealot Jewish rebels who attacked the Roman army during the Great Revolt, 66-74 CE. A Roman legion of 8,000 laid siege to the mountain, which held 960 rebels, family members and refugees. When the Romans finally entered the city, the residents had killed themselves to avoid capture.

This was the last group of Jewish people in the Holy Land, and the period of Diaspora would begin with Jewish communities scattering all over the world for the next two thousand years. For those who returned to this land after the Holocaust, Masada would have a new and significant meaning of dying for one's faith, identity and way of life.

After a soak in the Dead Sea (take a look at Peter's earlier post!), we switched buses to travel with a Palestinian driver and guide to the city of Jericho, northeast of Jerusalem, close to the Jordan River. In the ancient ruins of the city, a major archeological site, there is evidence of a city dating back 10,000 years, one of the earliest human communities.

Although it is an important piece of our world heritage, it appears that the resources--and, perhaps the interest and knowledge--to share it effectively are lacking. What seemed clear to me is that they could use some technical assistance to preserve and show this and other important sights. There are noticeable efforts from a few countries to provide this help: Italians are principally responsible for the archeological site, Japan has built the visitors center, and Russia is building a museum, not yet opened. However, much more could be done.

The dichotomy between the two sites was quite striking--although both sights were amazing. It made me wonder how these two nations in one country can work together to preserve these sites, and what is the role of the international community in this endeavor. I look forward to this dialogue.

In peace,
Katie

Return to Itinerary Page and links to other reflections

 

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