Bosnia_and_Herzegovina - Old town of Sarajevo
Foto: Jeruzalem vanaf de Olijfberg (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Israel - Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Jerusalem has a mixed Jewish and Arab population and is a highly sensitive issue in international politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. East Jerusalem was captured by Israeli forces in 1967 and subsequently incorporated into the city. However, East Jerusalem is also claimed by Palestine as its capital. The city was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Israel, and after its division, the capital of the Kingdom of Judah, and later of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. It is one of the most disputed territories in the world. As a city with thousands of years of history, it is a cradle of both Judaism and Christianity. Despite relatively frequent attacks, the stone-built city attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. Israel declared Jerusalem its capital in 1950, although this status is not internationally recognized and most embassies are located in Tel Aviv. The Palestinian Authority considers Jerusalem the capital of a future Palestinian state and maintains a disputed office in the Orient House.
Herods fortress of Masada
Israel - On the southern side of the Dead Sea lies Masada. Masada is an ancient fortress from the time of Herod, around the beginning of the Common Era. During the Roman siege of the fortress, the defenders held out for three years. When the Romans finally broke ...
Roman city of Beit Shean
Israel - I continue by bus toward the Dead Sea. It is clearly noticeable that I am descending again to 400 meters below sea level. Just before reaching the Dead Sea, I arrive at Beit She'an. Beit She'an is an ancient city dating back to the Early Bronze Age. ...
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Israel - After lunch, I continue my journey through Jerusalem and walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This impressive church is built on the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross on the hill of Golgotha. The nearby tomb is also part of this church today. ...
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Israel - When I enter the Church of the Nativity, a procession is taking place. Everyone is asked to be silent, and I have to wait before I can visit the church. The church consists of an upper and a lower church. The lower church is built around the birthplace ...
The Negev Desert
Israel - Viraz, the bus driver, drives the bus from the airport into the desert. I see a barren, hilly landscape. Along the roadside, several tanks with soldiers are stationed. I am likely travelling very close to the border with Jordan. As we continue through ...
The Western Wall
Israel - At the end of the Via Dolorosa, I arrive at the Western Wall. The Western Wall lies against the western side of the Temple Mount. Here, the Jews lament the destruction of their temple on the mount. It is the only visible remaining wall after the destruction ...