President George Bush made a flight into the wilderness today to visit the most revered sport in Israel, the mountain top fortress of Masada near the Dead Sea. Here, in 73 A.D., more than 960 Jews held out against the Roman Tenth Legion and then committed suicide rather than submit. Masada is a symbol for modern Israel that never again will they submit to tyranny.
The site is a national symbol in Israel of Jewish fighting spirit and self-sacrifice against powerful enemies and overwhelming odds.
In a speech later in the day to the Israeli Knesset he vowed that Masada will not fall again”. Bush pledged that the United States has an unbreakable bond with Israel. Haaretz has this article about the day.
Darris McNeely is a retired elder in the United Church of God. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 53 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris continues teaching at Ambassador Bible Center and is a member of the Council of Elders. Darris and Debbie continue to travel and keep up with the many friends and relationships around the world.
