There's not much to see. A church, seemingly similar to any other church. A garden, not much unlike other gardens. However, this place has a slight edge over its collegues. It's the alleged birth site of Jesus. Might as well be. If so, one of the most important historical locations on the planet. Should be treated with due respect. Nowadays it is not. It is a war-zone. Kind of kills the myth that wars are about religion, does it not? Religion might be the excuse for the people to fight. However, the conflict is about everything but religion; principles, money, greed, power, pride, differences in logical reasoning, culture, language, you name it. And my least favorite: pure stupidity. End it with a poker game, coin toss, camel race, dwarf hunt, whatever. Let the rest of us be able to enjoy these historical sites again!
Betlehem, Israel, December 1985
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