Siege of Masada 1

Another way to look at What "Perfect Victims" are from a Retrospective and Racial Lens

🔗 LINK (by Jeremy DeAngelo)

Excerpt:

One of the troubling aspects of the massacres was, for me, the willingness of the Jews to kill themselves pre-emptively. In this, these narratives differ from Christian accounts of martyrdom, which do not encourage suicide—quite the opposite. In stories of Christian martyrdom, the atrocities committed against the saint’s body and their willingness to endure them are typically the longest and most graphically detailed portions of those works. In contrast, many of the assaulted Jews in 1096 killed themselves instead of allowing the Crusaders to murder or convert them. Some of those unwilling or unable to do so, such as children, were killed by their family or community members. The acts are understandable. They were efforts by the Jews to retain control over their fates rather than relinquish it to their persecutors, as well as to save their souls from forced conversion. It was also part of a long tradition of Jewish martyrdom that goes at least as far back as the siege of Masada in the first century CE. Nevertheless, it is one thing to accept something intellectually and another not to react viscerally to passages such as this one from Anonymous of Mainz:

[go to website for the quote of the primary source]

This episode is written to create a dramatic and emotional narrative of Jewish martyrdom. And it is not alone: that parents killed their children to spare them from the Crusaders was widely reported in these chronicles. In the context of these chronicles, for these medieval Jewish people (and many other medieval societies) the integrity of one’s faith and the faith of their children—even at the cost of their lives—was paramount. And they may have feared that their fates at the hands of the Crusaders would have been much worse, that death in this manner was merciful. Such actions which to us at first might seem heartless—possibly even fanatical—make perfect sense in the context of their time, and the horror of the moment.

Another aspect of the martyrdom stories that caught me off guard was much less lurid. Probably it is because I was both Catholic and familiar with medieval Christian texts; I was accustomed to a particular type of rhetoric surrounding descriptions of the Christian faith—almost always complimentary. In contrast, The Narrative of the Old Persecutions and the Chronicle of Solomon bar Simson are defiantly anti-Christian texts. You can see, in the passage above, where the author describes Christianity as a “pseudo-faith.” Elsewhere, Christ is referred to as “a bastard and a product of sin and menstruation,” and that he is not a god and so “cannot profit and cannot save for he is worthless.” My initial reaction to this was something that deserves introspective examination. I was prepared for the violence and anti-Semitism that I found in the texts; they fit a narrative that I was prepared to accept. But I was not prepared to have my own identity attacked. I had assumed, with no reason to do so, that medieval religious minorities would respect the beliefs of the majority—even when dying at the hand of sectarian violence. But why should they? But even upon thinking through that, I remained disturbed at the anti-Christian words in these Chronicles—which disturbed me anew.

Bringing the Past to Today As a (white, Christian, straight, male, cisgender) undergraduate in the early 2000s I did not have this terminology at the time, but it is clear to me now that I was reading from a place of privilege. Even while reading about people whose beliefs and lives were attacked in ways that mine never would be, I was offended at even the smallest expression of disapproval on their part. I was upset that they were not living up to my expectations of how the targets of persecution conduct themselves. I was shocked by their anger. Even then, I knew that this expectation was deeply unfair. But I didn’t know what to do with that knowledge. I knew I was foolish to expect anything else from historical texts that detail oppression. And medieval Jews, of course, would not (and do not) believe in Christ. Furthermore, these particular Jewish writers were recounting Christian mass-murders, inspired by Christianity, upon their community, their loved ones, and their religion. To expect anything other than rage and scorn for Christianity is a monstrous double-standard, an attitude which perpetuates injustice as much then as it does today. It is a position of privilege, as well, that allows us to take a step back and think critically about accounts of other people’s suffering. My introduction to the massacres—and the way I initially reacted to them—has never been far from my mind. This is likely why I have applied it to my own understanding of public reaction to prejudice today—particularly in the case of the police shootings of African-Americans. It may seem awkward to transition from medieval anti-Semitism to the rights of African-Americans today, but in truth prejudices against both these groups have often intertwined. Now, 2017 is not 1096; but, we bring our expectations of today to our reading of the past. Many of the expectations we have for minorities are the same both for then and now.

When, in 2014, the killing of young black men began to bring more open scrutiny to policing standards, the persistence of racism in America, and the role of governmental institutions in perpetuating it, many sought to pre-empt criticism by attacking the characters of those who had been killed. Conservative commentators argued that they didn’t dress right; that they had criminal records; that they were “no angels.” The implication was that these individuals did not deserve sympathy, and, by extension, rights. This of course goes against the principle of equal protection under the law; we do not need to find someone sympathetic for them to be eligible for human rights. But it remains a constant tactic to describe someone at the center of an incident like these as someone who is, or is not, a good person. Our ability to identify with them becomes the standard by which we decide whether we should care.

Respectability Politics This has been one of the key strengths of nonviolent resistance. During the Civil Rights Movement, for example, the optics of peaceful protest were considered extremely important for bringing public opinion over to the side of African-Americans. As Richard Cohen of the Southern Poverty Law Center explains,

[go to website for the quote]

They presented people on the fence with images of peaceful protesters who were less-easily dismissed as violent, uncivilized troublemakers. The attempt to smear present-day targets of racism and brutality is a mirror image of this tactic—instead of presenting a picture of someone with whom the general public can sympathize, they provide them with a person they can despise and fear. We see in this the trap of respectability politics. The American public, as a whole, has developed an archetype of the deserving victim: their suffering is silent, and noble, and they are manifestly better people than those who persecute them. Our images of great civil rights leaders of the past conform to these expectations, even when reality was much more complicated—and this is why threats to undermine these images are seen as effective countermeasures. Any deviation from the expectation of respectability is grounds for the rescinding of sympathy. But this is a trap: if rights are contingent upon being sympathetic, they are not rights. And I fell into this trap. That is why, when I encountered the Jews of 1096 in my class texts, I responded how I did. They were not conforming to my unfair expectations.

Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications, and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day.

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. - Luke 19:41-44 KJV

Here in the Gospel Book of Luke, Jesus Christ has just entered Jerusalem for what would be the final time. The people have welcomed Him and want to make Him king. Needless to say, the leaders are not happy with this and will soon step up their plans to kill Him. It won't be long before Jerusalem will be under siege and Jesus' words will come true. Just as with the prophets, the people have ignored the signs that they needed to change. Not even the Son of God could wake them up in time to save the city from destruction.

To this day, we can see how devastating was the destruction of the temple. We know the story of Masada as well, and how many of the Jewish people were killed. If Jesus walked the earth today, would he weep over us? My guess is that he would. We are not so dissimilar to the people of the past. We, too, ignore signs of destruction of our world. We have spent the last couple of centuries polluting our land, our water supplies and our air. We complain about the increase of cancer, the spread of AIDS, the spread of diseases that never existed before the use of chemicals in our water and food supplies. If we keep on going like this, we won't need marauding armies to overtake us, we'll just self-destruct!

In those areas of the world where they hunger for peace, they also hunger for justice. We have a responsibility to help in any way we can to work for justice in the world as well as to be good stewards of this Earth. Just as the prophets warned the people of Israel and Jesus warned the people of Jerusalem to return to God and His ways, they also warn us. When will we listen?

God has continually warned us to turn to Him and we keep failing to listen. May we seek and pay better attention to Him and His commands, before it's too late!

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time daily to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in the Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

Cycling through Jordan, are you interested!

What is the first thing that strikes your mind when you hear the word “Jordan”? Probably, its splendid ancient architecture, magnificent holy sites and local cuisines.

Discover Jordan in brief 

Located at the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is one of the most preferred destinations for visitors worldwide. This amazing country is home to various archaeological sites, ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes. From the historical capital of Amman to the enchanting site of Petra, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea, connecting with the best travel agency in Jordan will allow you to have an unforgettable journey and delve into the immersive culture of this country.

In this blog, get ready to embark on Jordan tours and travel plans, along with extraordinary adventures as we unlock the hidden treasures of this remarkable destination.

Cycling in Jordan: 

Cycling in Jordan is an excellent way to experience the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm culture up close. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a leisurely ride through historical sites, Jordan’s cycling opportunities have something for every enthusiast. Just remember to stay hydrated, respect local customs, and savor the unique moments that only a cycling journey in Jordan can offer.

With Jordan’s ideal weather most of the year, countless Jordanians frequently plan weekend cycling adventures with friends and loved ones where they choose to explore different routes in various areas around Jordan. Many tourists to the kingdom also pre-plan their cycling adventures with trained tour guides in unique areas, such as a two-day route from the historic Nabatean stone city of Petra to the coastal Jordanian city of Aqaba.

Sample of YOLO daily cycling tours: 

Δ Madaba – Cycling to Dead Sea Via Mount Nebo: Transfer to Madaba, the City of the Mosaics. Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and best known for its Byzantine mosaics. The most important of these is the sixth century mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, which covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox church of St George. This morning we can marvel at its detail and natural colour.

Today’s ride starts with a 4.3mi (7km) mild ascent up to Mount Nebo, reputedly the burial site of Moses. We take a pitstop at the top for a spectacular view over the valley below. From here it’s a fantastic descent to the shores of the Dead Sea. Parts of this descent are quite steep but support will be at hand and you can take your time. We follow the coast on a smooth, paved surface to Suwaima where we can change and take a float in the waters.

You will need to be in Madaba to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 14 KM / Time: 3 hours / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Δ Madaba Cycling to Mukaweir: 

Within an hour’s drive from Madaba along the picturesque Kings’ Highway, is Mukawir (Machaerus), the hilltop stronghold of Herod the Great. Upon Herod’s death, his son Herod Antipas inherited the fortress and it is from here that he ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded after Salome’s fateful dance of the seven veils. The 1st Century AD Roman-Jewish historian, Josephus, identifies the awe-inspiring site of Machaerus (modern-day Mukawir) as the palace / fort of herod Antipas, who was the Roman-appointed ruler over the region during the life of Jesus Christ. It was here, at this hilltop fortified palace, overlooking the Dead Sea region and the distant hills of Palestine and Israel that herod imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist after Salome’s fateful dance. “he was beheaded after Salome’s fateful dance” Mathew 14:3-11. Like it’s sister site of Masada on the opposite side of the Dead Sea, Machaerus was also the scene of a Roman siege during the first Jewish revolt against Rome.

you will need to be in Madaba to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 33 KM / Time: 3-4 hours one way. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Δ Petra cycling Wadi Araba through Little Petra: 

Today’s ride starts from Petra, Enjoy a stunning 25 kilometre descent, dropping around 900 metres on a little-used winding country road through the dry mountains of Wadi Araba into the lush greenery of the Jordan Valley. The views on the way down are stunning! We will get back to Petra Using the Bus. 

you will need to be in Petra to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 25 KM / Time: 3 hours. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 50%, Off Road 50%

Δ Dead Sea Cycling to Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib ) – Back to the Dead Sea: Today’s ride starts from Dead Sea, along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The road is mostly flat but here and there we encounter long undulations. The views are very special with the Dead Sea on our right with Israel’s Desert visible on the other side of the Dead Sea, and the colourful hills of Moab, interspersed with clusters of palm trees and oases on our left. we stop at Wadi Mujib, proudly called the ‘Grand Canyon of Jordan’. The spectacular chasm is also significant as the historic boundary between the ancient Amorites (to the north) and the Moabites (to the south). Moses is believed to have walked through Wadi Mujib, then known as the Arnon Valley. The King’s Highway crosses the wadi’s upper reaches, while its lower reaches fall within the Mujib Biosphere Reserve – normally accessed from the Dead Sea Hwy. 

The Siq Trail is a popular hiking route within the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, located along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The trail takes you through a narrow, deep gorge, offering a unique and breathtaking experience. As you start your hike, you’ll be immediately immersed in the natural beauty of Wadi Mujib. Towering sandstone cliffs surround you, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The sunlight filters through the cracks, creating fascinating patterns on the rock walls. One of the highlights of the Siq Trail is the opportunity to wade through water. The trail follows a riverbed, and at times, you’ll find yourself walking in shallow water. Be prepared to get wet and wear appropriate water shoes or sandals that provide a good grip.

you will need to be in the Dead Sea to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. This daily cycling can be done during this period (01. April – 31. October) Distance: 35 KM / Time: 3-4 hours. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Planning for the trip?

Do you want to experience the luxury tours of Jordan like never before? Then look no further than YOLO Jordan Tours and Travel. We offer the best Jordan travel packages that will allow you to discover the enchanting hidden gems of this incredible country. From the historical sites of Amman to the breathtaking desert landscape of Wadi Rum, our expert guides will offer customised journey planning to let you experience an adventure you will never forget!

Click here to book your trip today!

Israel: the road to Masada

historical Masada is a rationalization for a future Masada —another crazy sect – of Jewish true believers self-destructing—Zionists. In 73 A.D., legend has it, 960 Jewish rebels under siege in the ancient desert fortress of Masada committed suicide rather than surrender to a Roman legion. News Forensics JULIAN MACFARLANE, APR 16, 2024 The Iran attack story continues to unfold. Everybody has an…

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Events 4.16 (before 1940)

1457 BC – Battle of Megido - the first battle to have been recorded in what is accepted as relatively reliable detail. 69 – Defeated by Vitellius' troops at Bedriacum, Roman emperor Otho commits suicide. 73 – Masada, a Jewish fortress, falls to the Romans after several months of siege, ending the First Jewish–Roman War. 1346 – Stefan Dušan, "the Mighty", is crowned Emperor of the Serbs at Skopje, his empire occupying much of the Balkans. 1520 – The Revolt of the Comuneros begins in Spain against the rule of Charles V. 1582 – Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma founds the settlement of Salta, Argentina. 1746 – The Battle of Culloden is fought between the French-supported Jacobites and the British Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, in Scotland. After the battle many highland traditions were banned and the Highlands of Scotland were cleared of inhabitants. 1780 – Franz Friedrich Wilhelm von Fürstenberg founds the University of Münster. 1799 – French Revolutionary Wars: The Battle of Mount Tabor: Napoleon drives Ottoman Turks across the River Jordan near Acre. 1818 – The United States Senate ratifies the Rush–Bagot Treaty, limiting naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. 1838 – The French Army captures Veracruz in the Pastry War. 1847 – Shooting of a Māori by an English sailor results in the opening of the Wanganui Campaign of the New Zealand Wars. 1853 – The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opens the first passenger rail in India, from Bori Bunder to Thane. 1858 – The Wernerian Natural History Society, a former Scottish learned society, is dissolved. 1862 – American Civil War: Battle at Lee's Mills in Virginia. 1862 – American Civil War: The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia, becomes law. 1863 – American Civil War: During the Vicksburg Campaign, gunboats commanded by acting Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter run downriver past Confederate artillery batteries at Vicksburg. 1878 – The Senate of the Grand Duchy of Finland issues a declaration establishing a city of Kotka on the southern part islands from the old Kymi parish. 1881 – In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle. 1908 – Natural Bridges National Monument is established in Utah. 1910 – The oldest existing indoor ice hockey arena still used for the sport in the 21st century, Boston Arena, opens for the first time. 1912 – Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel. 1917 – Russian Revolution: Vladimir Lenin returns to Petrograd, Russia, from exile in Switzerland. 1919 – Mohandas Gandhi organizes a day of "prayer and fasting" in response to the killing of Indian protesters in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by the British colonial troops three days earlier. 1919 – Polish–Lithuanian War: The Polish Army launches the Vilna offensive to capture Vilnius in modern Lithuania. 1922 – The Treaty of Rapallo, pursuant to which Germany and the Soviet Union re-establish diplomatic relations, is signed. 1925 – During the Communist St Nedelya Church assault in Sofia, Bulgaria, 150 are killed and 500 are wounded.

Ancient Fortresses and Their Unique Features: Comparing Sigiriya to the World

Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress of Sri Lanka, has long been a point of intrigue and admiration for travelers and historians alike. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, this UNESCO World Heritage site holds its own against some of the world’s most famous fortresses. But how does Sigiriya stack up when compared with other ancient fortresses from around the globe? Let’s explore.

1. Sigiriya — The Sky Fortress of Sri Lanka

This granite peak that soars above the surrounding plains is more than just a fortress; it’s a testament to ancient urban planning, artistry, and ingenuity. Its frescoes, which date back to the 5th century, showcase beautiful, mysterious women whose identities are a subject of debate to this day. The “Mirror Wall,” once polished so perfectly that the King could see his reflection in it, now holds the scribbled verses of ancient poets, creating an impromptu anthology spanning over a millennium.

2. Masada — Israel’s Mountain Holdout

Overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada is a symbol of resistance and heroic sacrifice. The fortress is renowned for the tale of Jewish rebels who, facing a Roman siege, chose to take their own lives rather than be captured. Its cliff-side isolation made it an almost impregnable fortress, showcasing the brilliance of its architects.

3. The Great Wall — China’s Stretched Fortress

The Great Wall, with its snaking presence across vast stretches of China, served as a protective barrier against invasions. Unlike the compactness of Sigiriya or Masada, the Great Wall’s magnificence is in its incomprehensible scale, showcasing the might of the emperors who envisioned it.

4. Edinburgh Castle — Scotland’s Crowned Jewel

Perched on an extinct volcanic crag, Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history. The fortress houses the legendary Stone of Destiny, upon which monarchs were crowned. Its architecture and artifacts make it a treasure trove of Scottish history.

5. Mehrangarh Fort — India’s House of the Sun

Standing tall above the blue city of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh is one of India’s most impressive forts. With walls scarred by cannonball hits and intricate carvings showcasing Rajasthani art, it’s a blend of beauty and might. Local legends of the curse and the fort’s patron deity only add layers to its already rich history.

Conclusion

The fortresses of the world, from Sigiriya to Mehrangarh, stand not just as testaments to the military prowess of ancient civilizations, but also their artistry, beliefs, and values. Each fortress, with its unique features, tells a story that is deeply rooted in the culture and history of its homeland. While Sigiriya’s frescoes and Mirror Wall hold their own against the features of other fortresses, it’s clear that every ancient stronghold has a magic distinctly its own.

Discover Sigiriya’s beauty by day and retreat to the tranquil embrace of SigiriyaJungles Hotel by night.

Sharing an insightful article on the historical event of the Siege of Masada. The story of Masada is a poignant reminder of our past and the lengths people have gone to in their fight for freedom. 

The siege of Masada was one of the final events in the First Jewish–Roman War, occurring from 72 to 73 CE on and around a hilltop in present-day Israel. The siege is known to history via a single source, Flavius Josephus,[3] a Jewish rebel leader captured by the Romans, in whose service he became a historian. According to Josephus the long siege by the troops of the Roman Empire led to the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels and resident Jewish families of the Masada fortress.

Siege of Masada - Wikipedia

The Jesus Theory

I have seen Jesus depicted as  white man a black man But what if Jesus was a woman Would that be a terminal blow to the white male ego That her disciples were her 12 husbands Men don’t and can’t solve every problem Take the Roman siege of Masada A hill where Jewish rebels fled The Romans surrounded them  Until they starved or poisoned them dead The men were afraid some women left the camp The men…

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Sieges!

For all the strange eccentricities of modern cinema and its accompanying cultural impact, no part of historical media irks me more than portrayals of sieges. What is a siege? You have a stronghold of people, you want that stronghold gone, so you surround the city to stop food from entering it. Cities aren’t self sufficient, so it generally surrenders before starving to death.

That is the reality of sieges. Catapults and wall fighting do happen, but not before the best part of siege warfare.

https://www.livius.org/sources/content/thucydides-historian/siege-of-plataea/ Read this account of the siege of Plataea during the Pelopponesian war, or don’t, and to get my point search on this page for the word “mound." In this short passage, that word appears 16 times. Sieges were all about putting pressure on the inhabitants. To do that, you built a ramp of dirt and timber up the wall. Defenders would reply in kind by building their walls higher, but it was more a war of engineering than of fighting. 

One of the classic instances of this is the Siege of Masada, during which Titus (son of Vespasian) built a ramp of truly monumental size. Check it out here:

See that ramp on the right side? That is man made, something which survives 2000 years later because of its sheer scale.

The Romans were exceptionally good at sieges, primarily because their armies were part heavy infantry fighting force and part engineering corps. Need a road or highway built? Call on the legions, they could use the enrichment anyway.

As in all things, there are exceptions to this, and just like all history, if you make enough generalizations it becomes meaningless. But, I think this one is fairly defensible all things considered.

Here's another example of a Roman siege, the siege of Alesia in central France:

So go out and simulate an ancient Roman siege by yourself by digging a trench! It's fun! (it isn't)

Thanks for reading, and thanks especially to the image sources. I had serious trouble locating the sources for these two images, so reverse google search to try on your own.

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him. - Luke 19:41-48 KJV

When this portion of the Gospel Book of St. Luke was written, Jerusalem was under siege at the time by the Romans. It would not be long before the temple would be destroyed, and the siege would end with the attack on Masada. Jesus' prediction was correct. There was nothing left of the temple except the Western Wall which is known as the Wailing Wall. They left the wall intentionally, so that the Jewish people would remember the destruction of what they considered the center of their worship. To this day, Orthodox Jews consider this Wall, their temple. They now worship in their synagogues. We need to remember that Jesus was an observant Jew who had been brought to the temple as a child and who was so righteously angered by those who were making a holy place into a "den of thieves!" that He threw the moneychangers out, that He did understand what the destruction of the temple meant.

He also understands when we suffer similar losses. He is weeping not only for the city of Jerusalem, but for us and all the losses that we suffer. It is easy to sometimes forget the humanity of Jesus Christ. We forget that He lost loved ones to death, that He was rejected, that people walked away from Him, that He felt frustrated when His disciples didn't understand. He felt everything that we feel and is still there to walk with us through good times and bad times. Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ knows us inside and out; He suffered as we suffer. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us.

Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

Everyday, we must remember to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and guilt. May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

Travel Back in Time with a Trip to Israel and Petra

Travel Back in Time with a Trip to Israel and Petra  Have you ever wished you could travel back in time for a day, to wander through the streets of an ancient city as it existed thousands of years ago? Unless you’re the star of a science fiction series, of course, you can’t really travel back in time – but there are many places around the world that are so perfectly preserved it feels as if you really have. One of these places is Israel – a country at a crossroads between the past, present, and future. Its urban centers are steeped in history. If you want to walk the streets that citizens of ancient civilizations walked thousands of years ago, a summer vacation to Israel is your best chance. Masada Israel is home to thirteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The opportunities for you to learn and explore are endless. See Masada, a fortification built by Herod the Great and a symbol of Israel’s ancient Jewish Kingdom. It sits on a mountain’s edge in the Judean desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Originally built as a palace complex with three terraces, its camps, attack ramp, and fortifications are the most complete surviving Roman siege works. In addition, its Roman imperial buildings are astounding examples of classical architecture. Breathtaking Sights One of the most remarkable sites of the region, however, is Jordan’s breathtaking ancient city of Petra. It’s one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and dates as far back as prehistoric times. Marvel at the intimidating Roman and Greek-influenced buildings carved into the sides of mountains, emerging from the rock as if they are trapped, then walk through its cold, winding rocky tombs. A trip to Israel and a trip to Petra is a vacation you’ll never forget. Listed by the Smithsonian as one of the top 28 places you should see before you die, it’s so close you can easily cross Israel’s border to see Petra’s beauty in just one day. Simply drive your car or take a tour bus! After all, Petra is only a two-hour drive from the border. via Blogger https://ift.tt/JtqnhoU May 15, 2023 at 10:20PM

Israel: the road to Masada

historical Masada is a rationalization for a future Masada —another crazy sect – of Jewish true believers self-destructing—Zionists. In 73 A.D., legend has it, 960 Jewish rebels under siege in the ancient desert fortress of Masada committed suicide rather than surrender to a Roman legion. News Forensics JULIAN MACFARLANE, APR 16, 2024 The Iran attack story continues to unfold. Everybody has an…

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Events 4.16

1457 BC – Battle of Megido - the first battle to have been recorded in what is accepted as relatively reliable detail. 69 – Defeated by Vitellius' troops at Bedriacum, Otho commits suicide. 73 – Masada, a Jewish fortress, falls to the Romans after several months of siege, ending the First Jewish–Roman War. 1346 – Stefan Dušan, "the Mighty", is crowned Emperor of the Serbs at Skopje, his empire occupying much of the Balkans. 1520 – The Revolt of the Comuneros begins in Spain against the rule of Charles V. 1582 – Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma founds the settlement of Salta, Argentina. 1746 – The Battle of Culloden is fought between the French-supported Jacobites and the British Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, in Scotland. After the battle many highland traditions were banned and the Highlands of Scotland were cleared of inhabitants. 1780 – Franz Friedrich Wilhelm von Fürstenberg founds the University of Münster. 1799 – French Revolutionary Wars: The Battle of Mount Tabor: Napoleon drives Ottoman Turks across the River Jordan near Acre. 1818 – The United States Senate ratifies the Rush–Bagot Treaty, limiting naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. 1838 – The French Army captures Veracruz in the Pastry War. 1847 – Shooting of a Māori by an English sailor results in the opening of the Wanganui Campaign of the New Zealand Wars. 1853 – The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opens the first passenger rail in India, from Bori Bunder to Thane. 1858 – The Wernerian Natural History Society, a former Scottish learned society, is dissolved. 1862 – American Civil War: Battle at Lee's Mills in Virginia. 1862 – American Civil War: The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia, becomes law. 1863 – American Civil War: During the Vicksburg Campaign, gunboats commanded by acting Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter run downriver past Confederate artillery batteries at Vicksburg. 1878 – The Senate of the Grand Duchy of Finland issued a declaration establishing a city of Kotka on the southern part islands from the old Kymi parish. 1881 – In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle. 1908 – Natural Bridges National Monument is established in Utah. 1910 – The oldest existing indoor ice hockey arena still used for the sport in the 21st century, Boston Arena, opens for the first time. 1912 – Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel. 1917 – Russian Revolution: Vladimir Lenin returns to Petrograd, Russia, from exile in Switzerland. 1919 – Mohandas Gandhi organizes a day of "prayer and fasting" in response to the killing of Indian protesters in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by the British colonial troops three days earlier. 1919 – Polish–Lithuanian War: The Polish Army launches the Vilna offensive to capture Vilnius in modern Lithuania. 1922 – The Treaty of Rapallo, pursuant to which Germany and the Soviet Union re-establish diplomatic relations, is signed. 1925 – During the Communist St Nedelya Church assault in Sofia, Bulgaria, 150 are killed and 500 are wounded. 1941 – World War II: The Italian-German Tarigo convoy is attacked and destroyed by British ships. 1941 – World War II: The Nazi-affiliated Ustaše is put in charge of the Independent State of Croatia by the Axis powers after Operation 25 is effected. 1942 – King George VI awarded the George Cross to the people of Malta in appreciation of their heroism. 1943 – Albert Hofmann accidentally discovers the hallucinogenic effects of the research drug LSD. He intentionally takes the drug three days later on April 19. 1944 – World War II: Allied forces start bombing Belgrade, killing about 1,100 people. This bombing fell on the Orthodox Christian Easter. 1945 – World War II: The Red Army begins the final assault on German forces around Berlin, with nearly one million troops fighting in the Battle of the Seelow Heights. 1945 – The United States Army liberates Nazi Sonderlager (high security) prisoner-of-war camp Oflag IV-C (better known as Colditz). 1945 – More than 7,000 die when the German transport ship Goya is sunk by a Soviet submarine. 1947 – An explosion on board a freighter in port causes the city of Texas City, Texas, to catch fire, killing almost 600. 1947 – Bernard Baruch first applies the term "Cold War" to describe the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. 1948 – The Organization of European Economic Co-operation is formed. 1961 – In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that he is a Marxist–Leninist and that Cuba is going to adopt Communism. 1963 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pens his Letter from Birmingham Jail while incarcerated in Birmingham, Alabama for protesting against segregation. 1972 – Apollo program: The launch of Apollo 16 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2001 – India and Bangladesh begin a five-day border conflict, but are unable to resolve the disputes about their border. 2003 – The Treaty of Accession is signed in Athens admitting ten new member states to the European Union. 2007 – Virginia Tech shooting: Seung-Hui Cho guns down 32 people and injures 17 before committing suicide. 2008 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules in the Baze v. Rees decision that execution by lethal injection does not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment. 2012 – The trial for Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the 2011 Norway attacks, begins in Oslo, Norway. 2012 – The Pulitzer Prize winners were announced, it was the first time since 1977 that no book won the Fiction Prize. 2013 – A 7.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, killing at least 35 people and injuring 117 others. 2013 – The 2013 Baga massacre is started when Boko Haram militants engage government soldiers in Baga. 2014 – The South Korean ferry MV Sewol capsizes and sinks near Jindo Island, killing 304 passengers and crew and leading to widespread criticism of the South Korean government, media, and shipping authorities. 2016 – Ecuador's worst earthquake in nearly 40 years kills 676 and injures 6,274. 2018 – The New York Times and the New Yorker win the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for breaking news of the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal.