Bethlehem, A Holy City in Crisis

After lunch we traveled to Bethlehem which is located less than 6 miles from Jerusalem.  It is controlled by the Palestinians and we had to go through an Israeli checkpoint to enter.  No visitors are allowed into the city unless they are with an organized tour.

 

 

Jerusalem suffered numerous suicide bombings and traced them back to Muslims living here.  So the Israelis built a wall around the city which significantly curtailed the terrorist activities.  Anyone entering or leaving the city has to go through these checkpoints.

Unfortunately it also curtailed the tourist industry by limiting access.  It has devastated the local economy and there is 60% unemployment.  At one time there were 90,000 Christians living in the city, now there are less than 9,000.  Many of the local businesses have failed.

 

 

 

 

 

 Our Israeli guide was given special permission to take us there.  Usually we would have been handed over to a Palestinian guide at the checkpoint.

We walked to Manger Square where the Church of the Nativity is located. 

 

 

This stylized cross is called the Jerusalem Cross.....

 

 

There has been significant controversy over who should control the site so they have worked it out this way. 

The Greek Orthodox control the original church which was built by Constantine.  It burned 200 years later but was rebuilt and is the oldest continually used Church in the world. 

The tiny entry was created to prevent soldiers on horseback from entering.....

The ancient church has all manner of chandeliers, icons and a central crucifix.....

 

 

 

 

The art on the walls was made of solid gold.......

Part of the original floor from Constantine can still be seen.....

The Armenians have control of this side chapel.......

And the Catholics control the basilica built directly next door.......

This is where midnight mass is celebrated and broadcast around the world each Christmas.....

 

 

 

 

 Although the Catholics didn't get the original church, they did get the grotto where Christ was born.....

He was not born in a stable but in a cave found here of which there are a few dotted around the small area......

 

 

 

 

After leaving the church we saw the Field of the Shepherds.  This ancient field is where the shepherds first saw the star that heralded Christ's birth and has remained unchanged for centuries.........

 

 

It was late when we returned to the ship and the day of our visit was the Jewish day of remembrance for all the soldiers and people who have died in their wars.  At 8PM, our bus and all the other vehicles on the road pulled over to the side of the road for a two minute vigil before proceeding.

Since it was dark when we returned we were able to see the lights of this stunning garden that is on the hillside.

It was the perfect ending to a fabulous day!