Shot From the Hip

As safety was a big concern, I have devoted one set on the topic.  Generally I felt safe all the time, though having police carry semi-automatic weapons take a little getting use to.  This set is much less artsy than the previous set. [Israeli Security]
 

I think this image sums up the state of Israel struggling with what it means to providing adequate security and trying to provide  a good way of life.  Watchtowers, fences and barbed wire will be a strong theme in this set.

In Jerusalem, security was everywhere, entering the Old City, restaurants...


... markets and etc. 

I tried to sneek a picture, but apparently I'm not very sly.

In the middle of my trip, I took a quick trip to Hebron in the West Bank.  A real eye-opener.

In Hebron, there was much greater tension due the Israeli settlement situation.  Security fences have become a way of life.  Above is a fence to separate the H1 and H2 sectors. Both are home to thousands of Palestinians but the Israeli settlement is in H2.  Here is an example of the market in the H1 sector.

Bustling with activity, the market in the H1 sector.

In stark contrast, the market in the old city, in the H2 sector.  Many Palestinians still live in the H2 sector, but numbers are decreasing. 

Palestinians accuse the Israeli settlers of throwing bricks down at them in the marketplace.  In the background is an Israeli watch tower.

Every turn you make, you are under the watchful eye of security

We were constantly being warned to not look at the police. I can shoot without looking 

Regular patrols by Israeli soldiers.

Due to the sensitivity of this city, outside parties have intervened to make sure everyone's at peace.  The man in the red cap is part of the Christian Peacemaker Team. The day we went, no one was shot.

So to get to the tomb of the Patriarchs (Abraham Mosque), there are a number of security checkpoints.

The one coming from the old city market.

Checkpoint at the mosque/synagogue.

The checkpoint for residents

Another checkpoint for residents a few more yards away.  All these checkpoints are within a few hundred yards.

Security is simply a way of life.  To get to work, to go to the market and to go to school, checkpoints, fences and guns are the norm.

We saw a few children in our short time there, going about their business as if this was just one big playground.  Strange way for children to grow up.

Back into Israeli territory.

Tank turret remaining from the Six-day war.  This image was taken in the Golan Heights.  I think the gun is pointed toward Syria.

Land mines are still prevalent in the Golan Heights.  One has to be very careful.

Some old cannon balls used back in the Roman times

Replica battering ram used by the Romans to breach the walls of the fortress at Masada