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| The Mount of Temptation, accessible by cable car and with a gravity-defying monastery hanging onto its cliff face, is traditionally regarded as the mountain on which Jesus was tempted by the devil during his 40 days and nights fast. |
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| Bethlehem is considered by the Arab World and especially the Palestinians as the biggest open air prison in the world. It is protected by 20-ft walls or barbed wire fences charged with 10k watts of electricity to prevent those living in Bethlehem from going out. When going out or coming in, those residing in Bethlehem are subjected to body checks for security reasons. It may also sound ironic that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, has been 'virtually locked in' by the Israelite authorities. |
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| I have no idea what this sculpture in Bethlehem stands for other than a desire for peace and harmony. |
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| An extremely quiet alley in Bethlehem. |
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| This shot shows a section of the 20-ft wall. As the Palestinians living in Bethlehem are locked in and have no easy access out and into the city, many rich ones have migrated while those remaining find it difficult to get employment. Some have joined co-operatives that sell religious artifacts like rosaries and Jerusalem crosses to pilgrims and tourists. Residents going out to seek daily-rated work have to leave home by as early as 1.30 am to get security-checked and wait to be picked up by employers like olive farms at about 4.30 am. |
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| At the Church of Pater Noster in Jerusalem, Our Lord's Prayer is depicted in many languages. Here two of them are displayed. Pilgrims are encouraged to say the Lord's Prayer in their own languages inside. |
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