Masada: The Making of a Myth (Part 2)
From Unpacking Israeli History by Unpacked
May 12, 2026 · 50 min · Season 8
About this episode
This episode explores the transformation of the Masada story into a symbol of Israeli national identity and its implications.
How did an ancient story of mass suicide become the cornerstone of Israeli national identity? In Part 2, Noam traces Masada's unlikely revival, from forgotten footnote to rallying cry in the shadow of the Holocaust. But the story rests on a single source: Josephus, a man who surrendered to Rome and wrote under Roman patronage. That's the power of myth. And Noam explores: should Masada remain a national icon?" Masada – In the Light of Halakhah by Dov I. Frimer Ari Shavit, My Promised Land Yael Zerubavel, Recovered Roots: Collective Memory and the Making of Israeli National Tradition This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by the Zalik Foundation Junior Board. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media. Check out this episode on Youtube. This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Soulful…
People in this episode
Host: Noam
Topics covered
- Israeli national identity
- Masada
- mythology
- Holocaust
- historical narrative
Keywords
- Masada
- national identity
- Josephus
- myth
- Holocaust
- Israeli history
Sponsors
Zalik Foundation Junior Board
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Unpacked, OpenDor Media
Books & works: My Promised Land, Recovered Roots: Collective Memory and the Making of Israeli National Tradition
Places: Israel, Rome
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