Wall Museum Bethlehem
A short documentary about the Wall Museum at Bethlehem. It consists of over 150 Poster narrating Palestinian stories under occupation.
This video was Produced by the Arab Educational Institute in cooperation with the Spielart Festival in Munich, Germany.
Bethlehem - Jerusalem
January 7th is Christmas for my family (Eastern Christian traditions). After we had our large gathering of a few hundred members of the Qumsiyeh clan, and paying visits to my sisters and the older people in my family, I tried unsuccessfully to visit Jerusalem (both with my US passport and with my Palestinian ID). The idea was to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and have dinner in Jerusalem. Here is what happened with a video ( and some text explaining why even this short encounter reveals at least six violations of International law.
I used to be a high school teacher in Jerusalem. Bethlehem is only 4 miles away and is a suburb of Jerusalem. The economies were/are inter-dependent and for five thousand years were inseparable. That is until Israel decided to separate us after they signed the Oslo agreements in 1994 (one of many reasons why these sell-out agreements entrenched apartheid and colonization). I am not allowed to enter Jerusalem on my American passport because I am a Palestinian who does not get a visitor visa on my US passport (I hold green card resident ID in my own country). Most Palestinians are not allowed to their own city of Jerusalem except with special permits. On occasions (like Muslim and Christian holidays, Palestinians above a certain age (males over 55) are allowed. In this case they claimed that Shabak (Israel Internal Security) said that even if I was above 55 I am not allowed and that if I try to come through again I would be jailed (lack of due process not withstanding). While I was questioned, the bus from Bethlehem had left and we were forced to then walk back in the cold weather.
The Israeli policies of separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem and denying us entry are violations of International law and many are considered war crimes. Here are the violations that these soldiers and the Israeli government are guilty of based on International law:
1) Israel’s changes to borders of the municipality of Jerusalem to include parts of Bethlehem (illegal for occupiers, several UN resolutions),
2) Israel’s annexation of east Jerusalem (both West Jerusalem and East Jerusalem are not Israeli per the UN resolutions that Israel itself agreed to implement when they became members of the UN),
3) Israel’s establishment of 23 Jewish only settlements/colonies in Bethlehem is a war crime and the fact that such Jewish settlers cross over without requiring tasrih (permit) is racist,
4) Israel cannot prevent freedom of movement between one occupied town (Bethlehem) and another occupied town (Jerusalem),
5) Building walls and fences inside the 1967 occupied areas is also illegal (International Criminal Court Ruling 2004),
6) That the “shabak” can give direction to prevent people like me from crossing simply because we advocate non-violent resistance (I wrote a book on the subject) is contrary to both local law (supposed freedom of speech, due process) and International law (e.g. violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
These colonization tactics are nothing short of state terrorism. This indignity was a disappointment in Christmas but we have the peace of Christmas in our hearts and the silver lining is that this provides another motivation for us to redouble our efforts to end the ongoing crimes against humanity. Others suffer and even get injured, jailed or tortured so we are still grateful. May 2017 bring us closer to ending this nightmare of apartheid, close to return of Palestinian refugees, closer to justice, and closer to peace.
Video here (unfortunately short and does not carry the full interactions)
Stay Human
Mazin Qumsiyeh
A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home
Professor and (volunteer) Director
Palestine Museum of Natural History
Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability
Bethlehem University
Occupied Palestine
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Bethlehem Museum: Preserving Palestine's Heritage, Identity, and Culture
Learn about the critical role that the Bethlehem Museum plays in strengthening Palestinian identity, heritage, and culture in a modern context. Discussions will emphasize the various ways a museum can be developed as a center for saving cultural heritage, and also preserving a Palestinian Christian identity despite the political challenges presented by past and current events in the Near East.
Moderator:
Abigail Galván, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and Special Programs Coordinator
Speakers:
1. Dr. Cynthia Finlayson, Associate Professor of Anthropology/Archeology and Museum Studies, Brigham Young University and Bethlehem Museum Consultant
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestinian Territories, Middle East, Asia
The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territories. The church was originally commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother Helena over the site that is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 AD and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the sixth century AD. A new basilica was built 565 AD by the Byzantine Empire, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance to those of both the Christian and Muslim faiths. The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The holy site, known as the Grotto, that the Church of the Nativity sits atop, is today associated with the cave in which the birth of Jesus of Nazareth occurred. In 135 AD, Hadrian is said to have had the Christian site above the Grotto converted into a worship place for Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire. A father with the Church of the Nativity, Jerome, noted before his death in 420 AD that the holy cave was at one point consecrated by the heathen to the worship of Adonis, and that a pleasant sacred grove was planted there in order to wipe out the memory of Jesus. In Bethlehem the cave is pointed out where He was born, and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. And the rumor is in those places, and among foreigners of the Faith, that indeed Jesus was born in this cave who is worshipped and reverenced by the Christians. (Contra Celsum, book I, chapter LI). The first basilica on this site was begun by Saint Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine I. Under the supervision of Bishop Makarios of Jerusalem, the construction started in 327 AD and was completed in 333. Construction of this early church was carried out as part of a larger project following the First Council of Nicaea during Constantine's reign to build on the supposed sites of the life of Jesus. The design of the basilica centered around three major architectural sections: an octagonal rotunda over the area believed to be where Jesus of Nazareth was born; a boxed atrium area of 148 by 92 feet (45 m × 28 m); and double-aisled forecourt of 95 by 93 feet (29 m × 28 m). The structure was burnt down and destroyed in a revolt between the Jews and the Samaritans in 529 or 556 AD. The current basilica was rebuilt in its present form in 565 AD by the Emperor Justinian I. When the Persians under Chosroes II invaded in 614, they did not destroy the structure. According to legend, their commander Shahrbaraz was moved by the depiction inside the church of the Three Magi wearing Persian clothing, and commanded that the building be spared. The Crusaders made further repairs and additions to the building during the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem with permission and help given by the Byzantine Emperor, and the first King of Jerusalem was crowned in the church. Over the years, the compound has been expanded, and today it covers approximately 12,000 square meters. The church was one of the direct causes for French involvement in the Crimean War against Russia. Until 1131 CE, the Church of the Nativity was used as the primary coronation church for crusader kings. During this time, extensive decoration by the crusaders and various restorations of the basilica and grounds took place. This decoration and restoration process took place until 1169 AD. After three decades of being ravaged by the invasions of the Crusades, most notably the destruction of the church that occurred in April 1244 by the Turks, the roof of the Church of the Nativity lay in poor condition. In August of 1448 AD, the Kingdom of Burgundy committed resources to the project, but it was not until 1480 that they were able to get the project underway in Bethlehem. Due to this worsening condition of the wooden Church roof, in 1480 an extensive roof reconstruction and renovation projected took place on the Church of the Nativity.
Bethlehem-Belen, Palestine
Belén es una ciudad palestina al sur de Jerusalén en Cisjordania . El lugar de nacimiento bíblico de Jesús, que es un importante lugar de peregrinación cristiana. El nacimiento está marcado por una estrella de plata con incrustaciones en una gruta bajo la Iglesia de la Natividad , que comparte la Plaza del Pesebre con la Iglesia del siglo 15 de Santa Catalina y 1860 Mezquita de Omar del siglo sexto. // Bethlehem is a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The biblical birthplace of Jesus, it’s a major Christian pilgrimage site. The birth is marked by an inlaid silver star in a grotto under the 6th-century Church of the Nativity, which shares Manger Square with the 15th-century Church of St. Catherine and the 1860 Mosque of Omar.
Bethlehem Palestine
Bethlehem Palestine - Nohy na cestách
Go to Bethlehem it worth for it :)
Bethlehem, Palestine: The Church of the Nativity
Pictures and Haiku poems of Bethlehem & the Church of the Nativity by Mike Keenan. If you enjoy the poetry of place, visit my website listed on this YouTube.
S4: Bethlehem | E2: Harvesting the World's Oldest Olive Tree (Al-Bawadi)
Did you know that the World's Oldest Olive Tree is located in Palestine? Al- Bawadi Tree has been recorded to inhabit some of the most historic acres of soil in the village of Al-Walaja within the Bethlehem district of Palestine. It is believed to be over 4,000 years old according to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, as well as experts alike. The tree is approximately 12 meters (39 feet) in height, 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter and is compared to that of 10 average-sized olive trees put together. Luckily, we were able to join the owner of the tree, Abu Eisa, and his beautiful children to harvest the tree. He was so hospitable to treat us to a delicious breakfast underneath the shade of the tree whilst sharing stories of his community that stood together to protect this tree from being uprooted.
PaliRoots™ - The Palestine Movement
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Rick Steves' The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today
More info at This hour-long special weaves together both the Israeli and the Palestinian narratives. In Israel, we go from the venerable ramparts of Jerusalem to the vibrant modern skyline of Tel Aviv. In Palestine, we harvest olives near Hebron, visit a home in Bethlehem, and pop into a university in Ramallah. We also learn about security walls, disputed settlements, and the persistent challenges facing the region.
The wall between Israel and Bethlehem- a Palestinian illustration full of hate and lies.
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.
Palestinians want Bethlehem on UN heritage list
Palestinian authorities have made a formal bid to have Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ, added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites. Duration: 00:57
Slouching Towards Bethlehem: An afternoon in Bethlehem, Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Bethlehem, Occupied Palestinian Territories.
S3: Ramallah | E4: The Palestine Museum Garden
The Palestine Museum offers a variety of exhibits including an exhibition that explores the changing representation of landscape shaped into a prism depicting the landscape of Palestine. Each section of the landscape highlights ingenious plants of Palestine and how the Palestinian people benefit from them holistically.
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⭐️Sponsored by Penny Appeal USA:
Penny Appeal USA is a nonprofit development organization working to alleviate poverty through both long term sustainable programs and emergency relief in over 30 countries. One of PA USA’s key focus areas in Palestine. PA USA’s projects stretch all over Palestine from Gaza to the West Bank, providing essential support to the Palestinian People.
Join Penny Appeal in securing the future of Palestinian families. Visit: to learn more about their programs and to donate.
Penny Appeal USA is a nonprofit development organization working to alleviate poverty in over 30 countries including Palestine.
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Directed by @abeernajjar_:
Bethlehem welcomes a growth in tourism
(9 Dec 2019) LEAD IN:
For decades, the people of Bethlehem have watched tour buses drive up to the Church of the Nativity, disgorge their passengers for a few hours at the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and then return to Israel.
But in recent years a new form of tourism has taken root, focused on the West Bank town’s Palestinian residents, their culture and history and their struggles under Israeli occupation.
STORY-LINE:
In Manger Square, just outside the Church of the Nativity, a massive Christmas tree has been set up and festivities are planned in the coming weeks as various denominations hold staggered Christmas celebrations.
The town’s predicament is on vivid display in and around the Walled-Off Hotel, which was designed by Banksy and opened in 2017.
The hotel looks out on the separation wall, which itself is covered with artwork, graffiti and museum panels explaining life under occupation.
The guest house is packed with with his work, with one room overlooked by an Israeli watchtower and sporting a television set hit by a bullet.
The highlight of the hotel is room number three known as Banksy's Room. Here guests sleep in a king-size bed underneath a mural showing a Palestinian and an Israeli in a pillow fight.
Tourism has suffered in the past during outbreaks of violence between Israel and the Palestinians, but the Palestinian Tourism Ministry expects 3.5 million visitors will have visited Bethlehem in 2019.
That's three million more than the previous year, but many businesses here believe there is still room for growth.
Among those enjoying the increased international interest here is Elias Al-Arjah, owner of Bethlehem hotel.
He says: We have in Bethlehem 4,600 hotel rooms, in Palestine we have 10,000 hotel rooms, I think we need another 4,000 hotel rooms in Bethlehem to cover the needs of the tourism market if the region remains calm.
According to Al-Arjah: We have 40 percent increase compared to last year, I think last year we received 2.5 million tourist and this year we received three million and two hundred thousand tourists, we are advancing very quickly and better than the rest of the Palestinian economic sectors.
While the Holy Land has the most important sites in Christianity, including the places where tradition says Christ was born, where he grew up, was crucified and resurrected, it attracts far fewer visitors than the Vatican.
Business people like Al-Arjah believe it is an opportunity to draw in more people.
Religious tourism is a boon for the local economy, but many Palestinians feel the city’s modern residents are largely ignored.
Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Middle East war.
The Palestinians view the territories as part of their national homeland and hope to one day establish an independent state.
Visitors travelling to Bethlehem pass through a sprawling Israeli checkpoint and then drive along the separation wall, which Israel began building during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, in the early 2000s.
Israel says the barrier is needed to prevent attacks, but the Palestinians view it as a land grab because its route places almost 10% of the West Bank on the Israeli side.
Bethlehem itself is almost completely surrounded by the barrier and a string of Jewish settlements.
A form of alternative tourism, conceived by Palestinians themselves, can be found in the city center, just a few hundred metres from the church.
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HOLYLAND TOUR BETHLEHEM 2013
Prince Charles Welcomed to Bethlehem on First Official Visit
Prince Charles visits Bethlehem on his first official visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
As part of his visit The Prince of Wales met with President Mahmoud Abbas at his official residence.
#PrinceCharles #Israel #Royals
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - Part 1 of 3
Anton Farah our guide gives some commentary to our group of Pilgrims from Singapore at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine on December 8, 2010.
S3: Ramallah | E5: Yasser Arafat Museum
This museum is an educational and cultural exhibit that aims to showcase to the people of Palestine and the world, the narrative of the Palestinian National Movement through the life and work of Yasser Arafat, the historic leader of the Palestinian people.
PaliRoots™ - The Palestine Movement
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⭐️Sponsored by Penny Appeal USA:
Penny Appeal USA is a nonprofit development organization working to alleviate poverty through both long term sustainable programs and emergency relief in over 30 countries. One of PA USA’s key focus areas in Palestine. PA USA’s projects stretch all over Palestine from Gaza to the West Bank, providing essential support to the Palestinian People.
Join Penny Appeal in securing the future of Palestinian families. Visit: to learn more about their programs and to donate.
Penny Appeal USA is a nonprofit development organization working to alleviate poverty in over 30 countries including Palestine.
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Learn more about this museum at
PALESTINE ???????? | BETHLEHEM - NATIVITY ⛪ | JERICHO - MONASTERY OF TEMPTATION | SNIPPETS HERE & THERE.
If you want to get dizzy then watch this video zzz.
I apologise in advance.
***
Hi peeps!
In all seriousness, I highly recommend looking up any of the places we visited, there is so much history in these places and it's so amazing!
Jenin Town
Jordan River
Jericho
Monastery of Temptation
Apartheid Wall
Bethlehem
The Walled Off Hotel (Museum)
Church of Nativity (Exact birthplace of Jesus)
#FreePalestine
***
No copyright intended
Maher Zain - Palestine Will Be Free
Visiting the Palestinian Heritage Center in Bethlehem P1/2
A Fascinating Visit at the Palestinian Heritage Center in Bethlehem P1/2 (In Arabic). Episode: 1124, Air Date: 12 October 2009.