Palestine Territory Of West Bank

On our last day in Israel, we went on a Social Mission trip to the West Bank area of Gaza and Hebron, seeing how the local community lives. The West Bank is deep into Palestine territory, hence there are signs everywhere stating "No Israelis allowed". We need special permission to get there, as for Bethlehem.

The West Bank is really different from the other parts of Israel. While the other parts like Tiberias, Jerusalem, Galilee, Caesarea, are abundant and flourishing, the West Bank consists of mainly dried mountains, lands and shanty towns. The people there do not have clean water nor fresh food. But with some help, some managed to be self-sustaining.

As I have mentioned, West Bank area is mainly dry land and shanty towns.We were supposed to finish up with the Social Mission, then tour around Hebron Old City, where apparently the tombs of Abraham, Issac, Sarah and Rebecca were, but because some people took too long and got carried away, we were unable to do so. 

After that, we were supposed to go straight to Jaffa Old Port City, but due to some hold up and delays at the Israeli-Palestine border checkpoint, again, we were unable to go there. Hence, we went straight to the airport for our trip back. And that concludes my entire Israel trip!

Bethlehem

On the third day of our stay in Jerusalem, we had the priviledge of going to Bethlehem. I said priviledge because for some reason, Bethlehem is under Palestine territory, so there has to be a special permission for Israelis to go there.

Unfortunately, we did not manage to go to the Church of the Nativity, the site where Jesus was supposed to have been born, but we did manage to see a little of the new Bethlehem town, as well as old Bethlehem city, and the Shepherd's Field where the angels came to the shepherds telling them about the birth of Jesus.

 Can you see the words? Gloria In Excelsis Deo!

 Church of the Shepherd Fields

We went to a Palestinian Evangelist Church for Sunday service. It was a different experience for all of us!

After that we went on to the old part of Bethlehem for lunch.

Can you see? The appropriately named "Manger Street"

After lunch, we went back to Jerusalem and continued our tour for the rest of the days. Bethlehem is a cosy place, but unfortunately, I did not manage to spend enough time there. If I ever go back to Israel again, I will definitely spend more time in Bethlehem, and go to the Church of Nativity as well!