​Some years ago, on what was my first visit to the Holy Land, I made that all important pilgrimage to the birthplace of Jesus Christ – the holy city of Bethlehem.

Since childhood I had dreamt of visiting this city for it represented the birthplace of an important part of my identity as a Christian.  Looking back, it was a visit profoundly and spiritually moving and yet deeply shocking and distressing in equal measure.  

Some years ago, on what was my first visit to the Holy Land, I made that all important pilgrimage to the birthplace of Jesus Christ – the holy city of Bethlehem.

Since childhood I had dreamt of visiting this city for it represented the birthplace of an important part of my identity as a Christian.  Looking back, it was a visit profoundly and spiritually moving and yet deeply shocking and distressing in equal measure.  

It was moving to know you are visiting and praying on the spot where the Saviour was born, but shocking to see the ‘little town of Bethlehem’ surrounded by a menacing nine meter high concrete wall topped with barbed wire and watch towers.  Israel says the wall is needed for its security but the result has been a dramatic isolation of Bethlehem, an isolation that threatens the life and the future of its communities.