Bethlehem And Jericho Tour From Jerusalem
Is it safe to travel to Israel? Be especially vigilant and take great care at the Qalandiya checkpoint between East Jerusalem and Ramallah, in areas close to refugee camps, in and around Israeli settlements and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus and Ramallah.There have also been several violent incidents in the northern West Bank area (north of Tappuah).
With Jerusalem's growth already limited to its north and south by Ramallah and Bethlehem respectively, and with green groups lobbying effectively to place bethlehem west bank christmas off-limits any plans for building in the forest land to the west of the city, the sole direction in which Jerusalem can grow naturally is eastwards.
If you are interested in walking tours rather than bus tours, Israel Welcome offers one that focuses on Christian sites and another that focuses on underground excavations such as the City of David and the tunnels below street level at the Western Wall.
Still unchallenged, the Roman rule over Jerusalem and the region came to an end with the first Jewish-Roman war, the Great Jewish Revolt, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Jerusalem once again served as the national capital for the people of the region during the three-year rebellion known as Bar Kokhba's revolt.
I didn't in fact make it to Bethlehem for Christmas Eve, I got there a couple of days after Christmas, but it was still one of the most magical days of the year for me. I don't consider myself religious in the least, but the feeling of being at the very cradle of Western civilization was just incredible.
Currently, Israel's main entry point for the international traveller, is the newly built Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport ( IATA : TLV), named after Israel's first Prime Minister, is situated near Lod and next to the highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (highway no. 1).
The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) offers alternative tours that examine the complexities of life in East Jerusalem, Greater Jerusalem, and the Jordan Valley, with the option of meeting Palestinian families adversely affected by Israeli policies of separation and home demolitions.
In December 2016, to demonstrate that the journey of Biblical Mary and Joseph would be even more difficult in present-day Israel, Diala organised 22 Palestinian relay runners, 11 men and 11 women dressed as Mary and Joseph”, to create a contemporary nativity play called Mary can't move”.
Qubbat Al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock) 43 - located in the middle of the sanctuary opposite of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is probably the most known landmark of Jerusalem with its golden dome and octagonal blue walls that are adorned with Arabic calligraphy of Koranic verses.
It is possible to visit Bethlehem as a day trip from Tel Aviv. As a cold snap hits Jerusalem, a group of energetic Palestinians is running through the city to raise awareness about restrictions on their freedom of movement. For example, some will take you onto the Temple Mount itself, while others might include the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in West Jerusalem.
After the tour in Nativity Church we will have the chance to visit The Milk Grotto church; where The Holy Family found their refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee into Egypt. We cross Manger Square surrounded by the Mosque of Omar, the Palestinian Peace Center and perhaps the oldest functioning church in the world, the Church of the Nativity.
The visit to the Church of the Nativity and the old city markets of Bethlehem is an important highlight for many of our guests. 2. Western (Wailing) Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem is among the most important attractions of all Israel Holy Places. Jerusalem is the third-holiest city in Islam and is also home to a number of significant and ancient Christian landmarks.