Lent: Journey Through the Holy Land – Part 9

As our time in Bethlehem comes to a close, I wanted to share a little bit of what Bethlehem looks like today. This isn’t an easy post to write – it’s emotional, confusing, and frustrating.

Traveling to Bethlehem, you enter through a security checkpoint. Getting in is easy. It is leaving that poses a problem.

In 1946 in Israel, the land was mostly Palestinian controlled, but over time, the Palestinians have lost land to Israel. As a result, the Palestinian areas are walled off from Israel. It is a conflict the Middle East faces, and during our time there, we were able to hear perspectives from both sides.

I’m not going to get into the politics of it all – because at the end of the day, all that really matters, is that we are all human and God loves each and every one of us.

It was emotionally difficult to enter into Bethlehem – the birthplace of our Savior – knowing the city is walled off. It’s confusing reading about Jesus’ ministry in Israel knowing the conflict that happens today.

Today we visited the wall surrounding Bethlehem from Israel. We saw the graffiti art, the wishes of the people, the cries to tear down the wall, to make hummus instead, to have love and peace. It was a lot to take in. Seeing the wall… knowing these people were trapped inside.

October 21, 2019

I don’t have words, so I’ve included some videos and photos for you to experience a little bit of what we did.

A holy city, a place where all kinds of people are welcome.
It’s my hometown, a place where I can relax.
A safe place, a place of religion.
A wonderful place.
A place I want to build my future, my better life.
Finalize my high school education and hopefully become a veterinarian.
Bethlehem is an open prison.
In my future it is a place of freedom.
A place known for its hospitality and for everyone, especially tourists.
A place where people bond and talk and be free.Majd, from Bethlehem

Oh Lord, hear our prayers even when we don’t have the words to express them. Amen.

Abbey Jo