From the Past to the Present

Learning about Israel’s most recent history.

Today we moved away from the distant past and focussed on Israel’s present situation. Our lesson on geopolitics began with a tour of neighborhoods in areas of municipal Jerusalem that lie outside the 1949 armistice lines, in areas that Israel considers part of its territory but are considered to be occupied under international law. From there we could see the security barrier that Israel has built roughly along the Green Line, as the armistice lines are known. David introduced us to some of the history of the neighborhoods and settlements in the area as well as the security barrier.

Rachel’s Tomb.

From there we made the short trip to Bethlehem, passing through the barrier on the way. In Bethlehem we visited Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, built at the site where Jesus is said to have been born. We had planned to meet with the mayor of a nearby settlement called Efrat, but after some mechanical trouble with the bus delayed us we unfortunately missed our meeting. Instead we stopped at the site of Rachel’s Tomb on the outskirts of the city, an important Jewish pilgrimage site, especially for women.

Looking at the Security Barrier.