Israel Day 5
Yesterday afternoon we went to the “border wall” between Palestine and Israel. I put it in quotes because it’s separated by a fence. Same land, same people. Ideological differences, religious zeal, and violence from war separates them. Some of the people are family members and do not hate the other side, but the government that rules over Palestine heavily restricts communication with Israelis, keeping them segregated. They don’t even let Israelis into their areas, it’s literally illegal. The religious zeal justifies public displays of violence in the form of bombings and murder. Something you will never see or hear the Israeli side doing. War sucks, horrible things happen. I’ve had the privilege of being able to hangout with a Israeli army soldier the whole time I was here and I ask him about his experiences. He’s been forced to do terrible things, but the IDF never ever bombs at random hurting innocent people. Israeli defense goes in and arrests terrorist, the Palestinian family’s get upset and do not understand, they grow up and seek revenge. The cycle continues. This paired with the small around of Israeli extremist makes it a confusing constant battle on both sides.
Today we started our morning going to the birth place of Jesus; Bethelham. Currently occupied by Palestine and the Muslim religion, Christian’s make up about .08 percent of the population. We walk the streets and I notice how much of the art and culture are full of Jesus. This is because tourism from Christian’s make up much of the economy here. Since the Jewish people do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah they allowed this land to goto the Muslims, but many churches and artifacts from Jesus’s day and the midevil period still remain intact. We went to huge and opulent church that was built over the alleged location that Jesus was born in the manger. They even claimed to have a piece of the original manger He was born in. I do not have much interest in these type of sites beyond just appreciating the historical value, and touching carved stones that have been there for over 1000s years. Our guide reminded us how fortunate we are that we can pray to Jesus and worship Him openly in the USA. He is a minority Arab man who believes Jesus Christ is the Lord, and is interrogated weekly over his faith. He lives in paranoia from experiences of persecution he has had in the past. I have a whole new appreciation for our freedom of religion on America. Up until now it just seemed obvious and normal to be able to say what I want and worship who you want.
We drive back over the check point and goto Israel’s biggest and world famous city, Jerusalem. So many biblical stories are based here and experiencing it in person was mind blowing. My jaw was on floor seeing the remains of King David’s palace, and the city of David walls that held the temple. We got to walk through a 3,000 year old cemetery! We even got to witness somebody being buried in their family plot, apparently this is rare due to the lack of room. It’s the most expensive place to be buried in the world. I used to think grave stone I found in Georgia from the civil war were old! Never seen anything like this. The gravestones are packed in so tight and there are mausoleums that look so grand and ancient. People from the Old Testament are buried there.
We end the day tired from our long trek. Walking all around, up and down King David’s old stomping ground. My backpack of equipment was a heavy load, but the final product of this film will make it all worth it. Parts of me feel like I’m working on this trip, and not able to really soak it all in and experience a personal connection. Although this is my form of worship and I sacrifice I’m happy to make. This trip is not for me, but for Him. I keep getting shots that I just know instantly will be in the movie and that’s a good feeling. I’m sure many things will change in post production, but this movie will be powerful. I pray God uses me to produce something that will create an impact on the world. Only He knows what is to come of this. I have no plans of marketing, distribution, or anything after it’s done. My only focus is to make it. I’m giving myself a 45 day dead line, moving it up from “done by the end of the year”. Too broad. I won’t focus. Now I must. Many long nights ahead, but as for tonight I shall rest.
