The visit to Masada was one of the high points (literally and figuratively) of the
Australian educators’ study tour in Israel. The delegates made their way to the top to hear about the history of the site and view the impressive archeological remains. Some climbed up on foot, while others made use of the cable car.
The ancient Masada fortress constructed on this isolated clifftop in the Judean Desert recounts a tale of Jewish bravery. During the Great Revolt the Roman legion laid siege to the Jewish rebels who, having lost all hope of victory, preferred to commit suicide rather than end their lives as slaves.
Masada has become a Zionist symbol of the yearning for freedom, and today, thanks to the 750,000 people who choose to visit it every year, it is one of Israel’s most popular tourist sites.
“For me this trip to Israel has made thirty-four years of education come together,” declared
Cherie Cully, who teaches physical education at Masada School in Sydney. “Over the years I’ve heard a great deal about Israel, but the reality has surpassed all my expectations.” She explained that the connection between Masada and the school at which she teaches is not one of name only: the story of the fighters’ heroism serves as an inspiration for students and teaching staff alike.
On the day of their Masada visit, the delegates also heard a talk about the Dead Sea by
Noam Bedein and viewed a presentation documenting the sea’s decline over the years.
All this took place just one day before the end of their visit, and the delegates then made their way to Tel Aviv, where they visited the Taglit Innovation Center, where examples of Israeli ingenuity and its contribution to the world are on display. This interactive exhibition presents Israel’s achievements in agriculture, medicine, security, science, transport, and space technology. Among the numerous innovations displayed are the Waze and Check Point apps, and the Mobileye driver-assistance system.
Australian Ambassador to Israel
Chris Cannan met the educators’ delegation at the Innovation Center and spoke about the Australian Consulate’s activities in Israel and Australia’s excellent and fruitful cooperation with the Israeli government. He answered the educators' questions and even posed together with them for a photo.
This was just another reminder that, although Israel is such a small country, it has made a sizeable contribution to the world and humankind.