Masada, the Judean mountaintop fortress where Jewish independence fighters held out against the Roman Legion during the fall of the Second Jewish Commonwealth in 70 CE, has been officially included in the World Heritage List of the World Heritage Committee. The ceremony marking the event was held at the end of October, although the Committee recognized Masada, as well as Jerusalem and Acco, as part of the World Heritage at a Helsinki meeting last year. The ancient site?s inclusion on the World Heritage List is meant to give impetus and support to international preservation efforts.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism Yitzchak Levy, Minister of Education Limor Livnat and Minister of the Environment Tzachi Hanegbi. Minister Levy noted that, while being recognized as a part of the world?s heritage, ?Masada is symbolic of the Jewish people's struggle for freedom and independence.?
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism Yitzchak Levy, Minister of Education Limor Livnat and Minister of the Environment Tzachi Hanegbi. Minister Levy noted that, while being recognized as a part of the world?s heritage, ?Masada is symbolic of the Jewish people's struggle for freedom and independence.?