in Ma'oz' understanding, a water cistern. Present-day Gamla In 2003, the territory of the ancient city was incorporated into the Gamla nature reserve, and is open to tourists. In addition to the ancient city, it includes the highest waterfall in Israeli-occupied territory, the ruins of a Byzantine settlement and many Neolithic dolmens. Religious visitors sometimes hold bar mitzvahs in the ancient Gamla synagogue. In May 2010, the remains of the old town were damaged during a major forest fire caused by a fire from a projectile released during military exercises. In Israel, there is a catch phrase "Gamla will not fall again," the meaning of which is that control of the Golan Heights is of strategic importance for ensuring the security of Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, said this in 2009, arguing the position that the Golan cannot return to Syria. Gallery See also First Jewish Revolt coinage Herodium Machaerus Masada References Notes Bibliography Josephus, Flavius. William Whiston, A.M., translator (1895). The Works of Flavius Josephus – Antiquities of the Jews. Auburn and Buffalo, New York: John E. Beardsley. Retrieved 16 October 2010. Josephus, Flavius. William Whiston, A.M., translator (1895). The Works of Flavius Josephus – The Wars of the Jews. Auburn and Buffalo, New York: John E. Beardsley. Retrieved 16 October 2010. External links Gamla on the Israel Antiquities Authority website. Gamla on the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website. Vultures of Gamla Romans on the Roofs of Gamla on Segula Jewish History magazine website Jews and Judaism in the Roman Empire Ancient Jewish settlements of the Golan Heights Archaeological sites on the Golan Heights Classical sites on the Golan Heights Former populated places on the Golan Heights Establishments in the Seleucid Empire Israel National Heritage Site First Jewish–Roman War Mountain monuments and memorials Populated places established in the 3rd century BC 60s disestablishments in the Roman Empire Tells (archaeology)