One of the easiest things to notice in Israel was the tension between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The sad part is, that most of the common people on both sides want to live in peace, but the extremists and governments on both sides are making this impossible. It was very interesting to be in the West Bank and see things from the other side of the fence as it were. We had to go through lots of Israeli checkpoints whenever we went touring. We didn't have any problems because we were American, but Palestinian people are not allowed this luxury. The Sunday we went to Bethlehem, we crossed through the gate into the West Bank with no problems. But when we were leaving, we pulled up to the gate and sat there for 40 minutes with no idea what was going on. They dont come out and tell you anything. Finally we had to turn around drive back through Bethlehem and to another entrance where we finally got back into Jerusalem. It was just interesting how things work here.

In the end, we know that the only One who can bring peace is Jesus. No government or peace agreement is going to work in this land, but only the Prince of Peace. It will come one heart at a time when Jews and Arabs believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah and reconciliation takes place. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.