Ads have been painted on the wall cutting across Bethlehem.
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Graffiti protesting Israel's wall cutting across the town.
Tables for Jewish prayer books by Western Wall
Jewish men wear prayer shawls while offering prayers at the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple [destroyed 70 CE].
The roads descending to the east of Bethlehem lead through the mostly Christian village of Beit Sahour (or Bait Sahur), which includes the Shepherds' Fields: the fields identified since ancient times with the shepherds who saw the Star of Nativity. (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/bethlehem-shepherds-fields)
The 'Upper Room' or 'cenacle' is where Jesus supposedly met with his disciples for their final meal together before his arrest.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church dates back to the first century CE. It is the oldest Christian group in Africa. Many of its members have resettled in Israel.
The Al Aqsa mosque is the third holiest site for Sunni Muslims. Access to it is strictly controlled for security reasons
This architect's model is an effort to show the huge scale of Herod's palace, nothing of which remains.
Given the number of visitors to this area, a camel owner tries to entice them to ride.
The 'Western Wall' is all that remains of Jerusalem's second temple, destroyed by Roman soldiers in 70 CE. It is an area sacred to Jews and Muslims alike.
This architect's model is an effort to show the huge scale of Herod's palace, nothing of which remains
The Lion's Gate, one of seven in Old Jerusalem, is regarded by Christians as Jesus' exit route from Jerusalem.
Sacred writings are held behind this screen. Most likely they are Torah
Worshipper inside study within Western Wall
Judaism emphasizes knowledge of sacred texts.
Most of these Jewish men are wearing prayer shawls, as they say or chant prayers beside the Western Wall.
Men in prayer shawls gather under the Western Wall to prepare for prayer. Most are clad in special shawls in honor of the sacred space.
The central focus of local prayers and long-distance pilgrims, the Wall is all that remains of the second Jewish temple built by Herod the Great some 2000 years ago. Here on Friday nights, happy throngs sing and celebrate the arrival of the Sabbath. The next morning prayers are offered silently or written on small slips of paper which are wedged in the cracks of the mighty stone blocks. Tradition holds that men and women must use separate sections of the wall for their devotions.
Tomb of an Israeli veteran near Yad Vashem
Israel honors heroes of major wars in this cemetery, near Yad Vashem [the Holocaust Remembrance Center]
The Western Wall stands at the base of the Temple Mount, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Jewish and Christian visitors to it write prayers to insert between stone blocks
Ein Karem as seen from Church of the Visitation
According to Christian tradition, John the Baptist was born in Ein Karem, leading to the establishment of many churches and monasteries. In 2010 the neighborhood had a population of 2,000. It attracts three million visitors a year, one-third of them pilgrims from around the world. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Karem)
The Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel, honors the visit paid by the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:39–56) This is the site where tradition tells us that Mary recited her song of praise, the Magnificat, one of the most ancient Marian hymns. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Visitation)
Separate entrances to Western Wall by sex
Sign is in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. In English, it reads: "Palestinian authority territory Area A ahead No entry for Israelis Entry illegal by Israeli law"
Separation wall between Israeli and Palestinian areas of control
To protect Jewish settlers in the West Bank and urban areas, the Israeli government plans to construct ~430 miles of this sort of wall - an 'apartheid barrier,' according to Palestinian activists
Sign in Hebrew and English inside Masada tunnel
In English, the sign reads: "Remains of tunnel from first Jewish revolt against Romans"
To manifest his power in rural areas, Herod built extensive palaces such as this, now being restored by Israeli archeologists. The Herodian family displaced the Hasmonaeans in 37 BCE, as a client state of the Roman Empire
Priest closing Armenian church sunken door
Jerusalem's Old City is divided into different sections, containing churches of many denominations. This is Armenian.
Via Dolorosa sign in Hebrew, Arabic, and English
Men and women pray in separate areas in this cemetery
Orthodox Jewish boy at cemetery with candles
Abbey of the Dormition is an abbey and the name of a Benedictine community in Jerusalem on Mt. Zion just outside the walls of the Old City near the Zion Gate. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Abbey)
Roman market being excavated in Old Jerusalem
Supposed Upper Room (cenacle), Christian tradition
In this room, Jesus and his disciples are said to have gathered for the 'last supper' before Christ's betrayal and capture by Roman soldiers.
Fisherman casting a net into the Sea of Galilee
Nigerians praying as group Mount of Beatitudes
English Translation: First line: God is the greatest. Second line: In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful. Third line: Praise be to Allah, who gave him the time the age to advocate serving Islam. Fourth line: He had done his mission, and God is with those who are righteous. Fifth line: I bear witness that there is no God to be worshiped but Allah. Sixth line: Sheik: Abu Hussein Qassem Al-Sabbagh 1989-1/3 (Marsh)/2004.
The Abuhav Synagogue is a 15th-century synagogue in Safed, Israel, named after 15th-century Spanish rabbi and kabbalist, Isaac Abuhav. Its design is said to be based upon kabbalistic teachings. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abuhav_synagogue)
Former Syrian emplacements with windmills in the background
Ten adult males must come together in Judaism as a minyan, in order to engage in public prayer.
The Rosh HaNikra Crossing (Hebrew: מעבר ראש הנקרה‎‎, Arabic: معبر رأس الناقورة‎‎) also known as Ras Al Naqoura Crossing is an international border crossing between Naqoura, Lebanon and Rosh HaNikra, Israel. The terminal is operated solely by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces. The passage of regular tourists/visitors is forbidden. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_HaNikra_Crossing)
Sign is in Hebrew, English, and Arabic. In English it says: "Entrance is conditioned with security check."
Sign is in Arabic and English. In English it says: "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. Holy Quran"
Small altar in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Mosaic from Ireland in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Mosaic from Korea in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Khan al-Umdan (Arabic: خان العمدان‎‎: "Caravanserai of the Pillars" or "Inn of the Columns", also known as Khán-i-'Avámid) is the largest and best preserved khan in Israel. Located in the Old City of Acre, it is one of the prominent projects constructed during the rule of Ahmed Jezzar Pasha in Galilee, under the Ottoman era. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_al-Umdan)