The Tombs of the Maccabees

Israel guided tours often stop at the Tombs of the Maccabees, which is located to the west of Jerusalem. The tomb of the Maccabees is a rock-cut tomb in the Ben-Chemen Forest, north of road 443, near the city of Modi'in, which was named after the village that was believed to have been nearby where Mattathias rebelled against the Greeks. Not far from Road 443, a modern-day highway that links the Judean Mountains and the coast, is where Judah the Maccabee and his brothers (sons of Mattathias) fought their oppressors. Cave-tombs are prevalent in this area, however, the exact location of this cluster in addition to their old Arabic name ("tombs of Jews") suggests that the Maccabees lie buried in these. If you are making your trip to Israel during Hanukkah, be sure to stop by the Tombs of the Maccabees if you can to experience the Hannukah ceremonies held there to honor the ancient warriors-a century-long tradition.