Reflections

Earlier this year, as part of my MA studies, I spent a week in Bethlehem exploring Matthew’s account of the visit of the wise men. I did this through visiting the Holy sites, talking with Palestinian Christians and taking photos of the people I met and the things I saw.

As I took these photos, I remember being struck by how contemporary the story of the wise men is. Today too, all Jerusalem is scared and you can see the simmering resentment in the faces of those you meet. Today pilgrims come to Bethlehem to adore Christ and, if they stay long enough, they can be changed by what they see around them. Today, many children are born into the harsh conditions of refugee life and their parents fear for their future.

Towards the end of my week there, I took the photographs of the regular demonstration against the security barrier. It proved to be one of the scarier days of my life. It was a Friday and, after the Muslims had finished their prayers, campaigners lined-up with their banners protesting against the wall. A mixed group of Bethlehemites and international observers- we began marching towards the distant line of Israeli soldiers. Slogans were chanted, views exchanged and then having made our non-violent protest- stewards moved us back and we chatted as people started to go home. It was at this point that the soldiers fired something into the crowd. With loud bangs, we were engulfed in clouds of teargas. Disoriented and chocking, everyone fled- myself included. Apparently, the soldiers thinking was to discourage others from joining the protest the following week. Such is the logic of military occupation. And almost 60 years on from the foundation of the state of Israel it seems a logic which is unlikely to bring peace.

I remember catching sight one day of the watchtower and Church against the blue sky and being struck by the radically differing alternatives that they represent. As one pastor put it to me, “peace is something that can only be given by the child of Bethlehem. America and Europe may help but it is only these children that can give Israel peace.” So, I hope that these images unsettle and disturb. I hope that they pose questions and allow for new connections to be made.