Masada: Jewish resistance’s last stand against Romans

The first time I went on a pastor’s familiarization tour, Masada was not included. In this pilgrimage I led, Masada was included but a flash flood spoiled our plans. The Israeli tour guide said they will try again the next day. We were all so glad the electric cable car system was restored to working order. I heard so much of the last stand of the Jewish resistance, I wanted to see it myself. The fortress does look formidable and impenetrable and unreachable on the top of a steep and bare hill. The Romans surrounded and besieged them till the resistance force took their own lives. The guide said the Israeli armed forces now pledged their loyalty at the site.

Depiction of Masada on the wall of the cable car station
Depiction of Masada on the wall of the cable car station
Looking out from the entrance into Masada
Looking out from the entrance into Masada
The Dead Sea in the distance
The Dead Sea in the distance
Briefed on the various features of the fort
Briefed on the various features of the fort
Our Israeli guide was suave, handsome and speaks with an American accent
Our Israeli guide was suave, handsome and speaks with an American accent
The fort was a few football fields in size
The fort was a few football fields in size
Standing amid the quarters
Standing amid the quarters
Another view from various high spots in the fort
Another view from various high spots in the fort
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Genesis Land: welcomed by Abraham

This was an interesting experience: a camel ride and some hospitality from Abram. Great idea and fun. We rode the camels to Abrams’ tent and there he welcomed us to a meal. We were blessed.

It started with a historical and geographical sketch.
It started with a historical and geographical sketch.
Steven and Tiffany gets on their ride
Steven and Tiffany gets on their ride
Baby and Joyce
Baby and Joyce
Lay Choo and Caleb
Lay Choo and Caleb
Sumei and Ezra
Sumei and Ezra
Sam and Caleb
Sam and Caleb
It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram's tent
It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram’s tent
This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just Jewish chicken.
This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just chicken.
The desert has its own beauty
The desert has its own beauty
With my wife and sister in law.
With my wife and sister in law.
With wonderful Raffles Air tour organizers and owners Albert and Jenny.
With wonderful Raffles Air tour organizers and owners Albert and Jenny.

 

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Qumran community archaelogical site

We visited the remains of an ancient site of a Qumran community in a semi arid landscape. It was cool but stark. It must have been hard to live in such circumstances where water concerns were predominant and this was reflected in the architecture and the space given for cisterns. The desert made me feel alone, forlorn, quiet, meditative and reflective.

Joyce Leong and Jenny in the museum
Joyce Leong and Jenny in the museum

 

At the Qumran community ancient site
At the Qumran community ancient site
Mr and Mrs Tan Jee Lian
Mr and Mrs Tan Jee Lian
Another view from the hotel
A view from the hotel in Jericho

 

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