Comment: There are many apparent anomalies in the Masada story, and many of these can be traced to Israeli archaeologist and former Hagana* commander, Yigael Yadin and his interpretation of the archaeological remains. Although a revered figure in Israel, he has been accused of interpreting his finds to fit a heroic mythos of Masada created by "moral entrepreneur" and educator, Shmaria Guttman. As to his motives for doing this, sociologist, Nachman Ben-Yehuda suggests "nationalistic, ideological motivation played a very major part in the decision to excavate Masada". He also says that it was perceived that Israel needed myths to help it "shape a central process of nation and state-building.... to shape identities and create cohesion by fostering a strong sense of a shared past". Israel needed to promote the self perception that it was surrounded on all sides by enemies dedicated to its destruction and, therefore, needed "a new type of Jew, somebody that was willing to fight and die for his own country". Yadin interpreted the events at Masada in a way that provided the requisite role model.

Yadin had held formative roles in the creation of Israel and he viewed the excavations as a "patriotic issue" which justified lying and suppression of truth for political goals. An entire generation of Israeli Jews digested the spurious myth and it became fixed - a permanent ingredient of their identity as Israelis.

The reader is urged to pick up a copy of Ben-Yehuda's book Sacrificing Truth - Archaeology and the Myth of Masada for the whole story in detail.

* Hagana: Jewish paramilitary organization in what was then the British Mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948, which later became the core of the Israel Defense Forces.

Comment: But what a surprise, the 'authorities' cannot produce any evidence!