I was curious about the “separation wall” that divides Jerusalem from the West Bank, particularly in this case the town of Bethlehem. Setting aside all political views, I went to the wall to see the art that was painted on the Palestinian side. While I like more dynamic photos, there are several of the paintings on the wall that are a bit static, but what to do? I did blend in a few photos of life on the streets just inside the wall. I hope they give you a feel for the place.
Painting by a famous British street artist, Banksy, in an ironic look at the searching of innocent people. Kind of reminds me of being at the airport.
Love Wins. Always.
Remember the Women and Children
Borrowed from Amos 5:24 in the Jewish (and Christian) Scriptures, in which the prophet Amos is warning Israel to return to the Lord. They did not and were sent into exile.
Men talk at an auto workshop on the Palestinian side of the separation wall
A gas station just inside the wall
This quote is found at Yad Veshem, The Holocaust Memorial, in Jerusalem. It was a quote directed towards Germany as they oppressed the Jews. Here it is being directed towards Israel by those in the West Bank.
A Palestinian boy makes his way towards his home as he walks along the separation wall
Young boys in Bethlehem show off their Palestinian flags
A group of soldiers in Bethlehem. They were an obvious presence on this day as John Kerry, Secretary of State for the United States was visiting Bethlehem.
The latest fashion in Bethlehem
Church of the Nativity, the presumed place of Jesus’ birth
A group gathers before boarding a local bus
A gas station in Bethlehem
There was no room in the inn, I checked. Some things never change.
Stars & Bucks
Taxi Driver, Bethlehem
nomadruss in words and photos 
Fascinating!
Thanks!
I find these so interesting. What’s the wall like on the other side?
“No room at the inn” – Ha! : )
The other side of the wall has no painting on it at all, just a grey wall.
This was great. My mother was in Israel and Bethlehem in January. I have shared your post with her. If you enjoy graffiti art, you may want to read our post called Moving Art. Along the same lines.
Thanks, I’ll check that out!
“no room at the inn”
I’ll second that, very funny
Absolutely fascinating captures!
Thanks!
A grim reality, but an excellent, unpolished report.
Thank you Sir!
It will be nice the day that Justice and Mercy shall kiss…
Excellent, captured a real feel for the place, the people, and what is going on. Makes me want to go there. Also liked your comment about airports. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, and yes, those airports…
Great images conveys lot of meaning. thanks for sharing this one…
Wow, some of these photos are packed with pure emotion.. amazing work!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!
Reblogged this on Oxtapus *beta.
I am moving her in Dec, and this just makes me forget patience. Stars and Bucks has great coffee, hope you picked some up!haha
How fortunate you get to move to the Holy Land!
There is no word to explain the beauty and really amazing.
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