As with any coin, “The Wall” has two sides. I traveled to, and spent time on both sides. The Wall is a separation barrier in the West Bank along the Green Line. On one side are (the Israelis), who consider it a security barrier against terrorism, while on the other side are (the Palestinians) who consider it an “Apartheid” wall. At its completion it will be 440 miles in length, most of which is and will be constructed on Palestinian land. The Wall’s construction began in 2000 during the Second Intifada. Since it’s construction began the incidence of suicide bombings initiating from the West Bank has decreased significantly. But while the barrier was presented as a temporary security measure in a time (2000-2006) of heightened tensions, it has since been rapidly associated with a future political border between Israel and Palestine. I take no political position with regard to the Wall.
Street view of the Banksy Hotel (A/K/A The Walled Off Hotel). Notice the Wall on the extreme right of the frame. The streets are mostly rubble left over from some shelling in the not too distant past. The limited but good restaurant features a “Walled Off salad.” Needless to say, these people still have a sense of humor.View from my hotel room at The Banksy Walled Off Hotel. These watch/gun towers are manned 24/7 by the Israeli army.Another balcony view. Beyond the Wall lies Israel.These tourists are viewing The Wall from the Hotel’s patio. As you can see the Wall is at least 15 meters (or 45 feet) in height. It is topped off with high gauge razor wire. The Palestinian side is covered with graffiti from writers from all over the world, most writing in sympathy for the Palestinian cause and bringing messages for general peace.Artwork in the Hotel’s lobby. Depicted is an artist’s conception of an Israeli tank bulldozing a Palestinian home. There is within this small hotel an awesome museum which chronicles the entire period of the West Bank from the 1940s to current day.Quirky artwork. Notice the surveillance cameras mounted as though they were hunted trophy animals. Nice assortment of slingshots too.He greets you at the door to the Hotel. Reminds me a bit of the Grand Budapest Hotel.Behind this false bookcase you find the staircase to the rooms. This hotel seems to be a mix of crazy, reality, fantasy, and a dash of Addams Family thrown in.Another lobby sculpture. The tear gas being sprayed is dove feathers. Quite the juxtaposition.Some of the Wall’s graffiti. The quote reads “We can’t live, so we wait for death.” Very sad and very true.View from an apartment rooftop in Aida, one of the first Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank. Here we see one completely torched watch tower. The green space on the other side will belongs to Israel, after the one muslim family living here vacates the Israelis will take over.Remains almost everyone’s hero here. No not Ringo Starr, Yasser Arafat.A walk along the Wall.View of Aida, Palestine. The black water tanks designate that the occupants of the homes are Palestinian. This rule also applies when in Israel.This little girl, at least for the moment has something to skip about.Another street image.This walking tour I took led by a local man was riveting.
My next stop is the Town of Bethlehem, birthplace of you know who. It is only a 45 minute walk from the point of Wall where I now stand. So look for it pretty soon. Of course I’ll send you a heads up email if you are registered on my site. Thanks for clicking in.
