Tuesday I went to Bethlehem to visit a friend who works at the International Center which is connected to the ELCA. Now, overall it probably wasn’t the best day to visit considering it was the day of the Annapolis conference but the invitation was there so I went. I took the blue Palestinian bus from East Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Shortly after we began the journey we were stopped. Two men were taken off of the bus and searched. When it began to take too long the driver said something to the soldier. She motioned us on, he closed the door and left.
It was a beautiful day, the sky was blue and it was warm. I got off and walked a few blocks to meet my friend. We had a falafel walked some more, and visited the Center. The streets were crowded with people doing their shopping and bargaining. Visitors were crowding the Church of the Nativity, I didn’t even get near the grotto this time. Here are some pics.
6 comments:
I haven't been to Bethleham since 2001 under the supposition that it wasn't particularly safe. I gather that you didn't have any problems. I believe that It is under Palestinian control i.e. no IDF presence in the city. Is that currently true?
I had no problems at all as a non Israeli and Christian. Yes, it's under Palestinian control, the PA presence was there in the square that I got boarded the bus. The only semi problem I had was going through the check point coming back into Jerusalem. Everyone had to get off of the bus and show ID to the IDF. I only had a copy of my passport and she was so happy with that. Then I showed her my CT drivers license which she could care less about. What got me through??? My Hebrew University student ID, she just shook her head and motioned me on. From now on I'm going to carry the real thing.
These photos are great; you are such an artist!
What beautiful and clear photos! What a post. Thanks!
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Brother Richard
Thank you everyone!
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