"Before appearing before the Knesset, Bush toured Masada, the ancient fortress on a plateau in the desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is said to be the place where Jewish rebels killed themselves and each other 2,000 years ago rather than fall into slavery under the advancing Romans army.

The Masada was the last stronghold of the Jews against the Romans, and the dramatic story, while coming under question recently, has played an important role in Israel's national mythology. Remains were recognized as Jewish heroes by Israel's government in 1969, complete with a state burial, and army units used to be sworn in on the mountaintop to cries of "Masada will not fall again."

Said Bush at the Knesset: "Citizens of Israel: Masada shall never fall again, and America will be at your side.""