July 6, 2002

Jerusalem Market Photos

[Bethlehem, West Bank] Curfew was lifted for a few hours several days ago, and I went to Jerusalem. I picked up my tickets, so I'm soon on my way home to Virginia for a month vacation. Excellent. (Actually I hope curfew is lifted again sometime soon, so I can get out of Bethlehem.)

It's been a crazy year here in the West Bank. A year ago, I was excited to be assigned to Bethlehem. I had visions of exploring the Holy Land, walking where Jesus walked and making dramatic growth in my Christian faith. That dream was quickly crushed after my arrival. I didn't expect the situation here to be so bad. I didn't expect the Israeli oppression of ordinary Palestinians to be so severe. I didn't understand the oppression would generate so many Palestinian suicide bombings.

Anyway, I'll have time to reflect on my service here later. Now I have to pack.

While I was in Jerusalem, I took a few photos of street-side vendors in East Jerusalem and the Old City. I also took a few photos passing through the Bethlehem checkpoint.

Armored bulldozer at the Bethlehem checkpoint.

Filled Cart in Jerusalem's Old City.

Ladies walking through the Old City near Damascus Gate.

Selling fruits and vegetables in East Jerusalem.

Sidewalk clothing sale in East Jerusalem.

Pushcarts are filled with everything from vegetables to luggage.

21 APCs and 5 tanks sit at the Bethlehem checkpoint. The Israeli settlement of Har Homa looms in the background.

A tank from my window.

Tanks come at all hours during the curfew. This one visited in the evening.