Comments on: Visiting Bethlehem for a Day

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:50:46 +0000

In reply to Elijah Bethlehem. You're quite welcome! I'd love to go back sometime to see it in more detail.

By: Elijah Bethlehem

Elijah Bethlehem — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:13:07 +0000

Thank you, Rachel, for such a balanced and beautifully detailed post about Bethlehem. You captured the complexity of the place while still highlighting the warmth of the people and the deep cultural and religious layers here. The walking tour through the old quarters, the Banksy hotel, and your stop at Rachel’s Tomb all offered a refreshingly broad view beyond the typical tourist experience.
Appreciated how you encouraged travelers to visit the West Bank not only for its biblical and historical sites but also as a way to support the local communities. Hope more readers take your words to heart and come with open eyes — and open hearts.

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:10:05 +0000

In reply to Eimeara Stapleton. Really? Certainly Israelis and Palestinians both can come over as abrupt to Americans and the British who tend to value politeness very highly, but I found both Israelis and Palestinians to be friendly and happy to see visitors.

By: Eimeara Stapleton

Eimeara Stapleton — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:32:05 +0000

I didn’t find the Palestinians welcoming. In fact they are the rudest people I have ever met besides the Israelis

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:54:11 +0000

In reply to Becca Talbot. Oh well! Next time you should definitely plan to travel in Israel. It's a fascinating place!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:52:42 +0000

In reply to jusztravel. The deposit isn't a surprise when you think about the value of Banksy's art. I didn't feel like I was in any danger either in Bethlehem or anywhere in Israel.

By: Becca Talbot

Becca Talbot — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 18:24:42 +0000

I had no idea there was so much to see and do in bethlehem – and that hotel looks and sounds so cool! I was actually in Jordan last week and was debating staying longer to take a trip over to Israel – i wish I had now! X

By: jusztravel

jusztravel — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 17:44:07 +0000

That’s quite a huge jump from $30 to $200+ and I’ve never heard of a deposit of $1,000!!!! I know you quickly touched the topic of safety at the end of your post but did you personally feel safe while you were there?

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:17:55 +0000

In reply to Lisa. Next time!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:17:34 +0000

In reply to Shaun. Go for it! The rooms are supposed to be pretty special!