I would like to tell you about the connection between generations in multicultural Israel.

There was a problem from the very beginning of large aliyahs in Israel: how is it possible to unite people of different ages, cultural backgrounds and simple habits, living in one state? Outside there are neighbors all around who want to destroy it, inside there is a number of new immigrants, and the history of the people was interrupted for 2000 years.

Israelis have decided that it is necessary to start with the place where their predecessors have stopped – from AD and revive ancient traditions, make them common. One of such symbols was the fortress of Masada, built on the shores of the Dead Sea by King Herod in the 30s AD. King Herod built an unassailable fortress: with two palaces, fortifications, Roman baths (and this is on a rock in the desert), filled with supplies. In 66 AD the fortress was taken by the rebels opposed to the authorities of Rome. There were 960 people together with children and women. When Romans laid siege to Masada, they pitched 8 camps and began a long siege, which lasted 5 months. Romans did not go to the assault, because they knew that they did not take the city on a rock, and that the loss would not be comparable with the win. Thus they prepared, if necessary, to wait just below for years, when the spirit of Jews collapse, and they descend from the mountain. The rebels just had no chance: they knew that Romans did not forgive the rebels and would execute all those involved, and the women and children would be sold into slavery.

Then they found the only way out, which they saw in this situation: they did not deliver the fortress, did not betray their views and did not accept their defeat. They decided on their own to dispose that what they still had - their lives and to kill themselves. The problem is that Judaism prohibits suicides. Then the decision was made, according to which ten best warriors would kill the rest of the camp, and then, according to a lot, one of them would kill nine comrades. Thus, only one soul would remain sinful, instead of 960.

The incredible story of the incredible people! But the surprising thing is that today Masada takes the Israeli soldiers: the recruits of elite units of the Israeli army take oath in the territory of the fortress. They oath: “Masada shall not fall again!” Today, Masada has become a symbol of the Jewish survival, no matter what. Families come here to talk about the moral courage of their ancestors, so that everyone can feel their involvement. For 2000 years after the destruction of the Temple, Jews have been obedient; no one has fought and seemingly has forgotten how to defend themselves. But as soon as they returned home, everything was back in its place: today the Israel Defense Forces are one of the strongest in the world, and its soldiers, united by a common idea, show the same fortitude, bravery and courage as the defenders of Masada.