Current sectionIsrael NewsTravel in IsraelShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMasada. The isolated mountain came to symbolize the idea that Jews in Israel strive for freedom, even at the cost of death. Credit: Itay CohenGenerations of Israelis grew up on Masada's myth of heroism and noble suicide. What really happened on the mountain does not quite fit the national narrative, yet the it keeps shaping Israeli societyMoshe GiladApril 20, 2026I had never seen the summit of Masada so empty. The site was almost deserted during my lastest visit. For a moment, I thought: this is what it must have looked like after everyone jumped to their deaths. Then I shook off the grim thought and took in the view.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:ZionismIsrael archaeologyIsraeli cultureCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Israel-Iran Live UpdatesJerusalem DayIsrael ElectionsIranNetanyahu-UAEPalestinian InmatesMicrosoftJerusalem Tunnel HaQuizHaaretz PodcastReleased Gaza Flotilla Leader: 'It's Your Responsibility to End the Genocide'Netanyahu the Altruist: U.S. Aid Talk Masks Israel's War Budget CrunchThe New York Times' Blood Libel Against IsraelIsrael Needs Leaders Who Can Find Opportunity Where Others See DangerEisenkot's Racist Election Campaign Must Go Straight Into the TrashRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIWhatsApp Co-founder Donates Record-breaking $200 Million to Jerusalem HospitalThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueLeaked Video of Arab Lawyer's Violent Arrest Contradicts Israel Police Account'A Slave Economy': Inside Israel's ultra-Orthodox Parallel StateIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaIsraeli Artists Slam Venice Biennale Participation: 'Again, Israel as a Victim'