08 June 2008

Palestine - Hebron

By far the worst I saw was Hebron. This is a town whose population has included Arabs and Jews throughout its history. Here is located the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a site that is holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. (website: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/hebron-tombs-of-the-patriarchs.htm)
Since the Muslims and Jews cannot get along, there are two very separate entrances, a mosque and a synagogue. Both sides are heavily guarded (you must pass through two security checks), and there are barriers between them, up to the central area with the tomb of Abraham. Nearby, there are paths that Arabs must walk along, being monitored by soldiers all the way, and there are fences barring them from entering the Jewish area. At the local marketplace, a fence covers the top of the walkway from the debris thrown by the settlers living in buildings overlooking the market.








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