Bethlehem unravelled
The rector and wardens of the infamous St.James’s Church in London’s Piccadilly hosted an obscene anti-Israel exhibition called “Bethlehem Unwrapped“. It portrays Israel’s essential security barrier as an evil act of intended brutality. This is a lie.
In truth, the exhibition should have been called “Bethlehem Unravelled” as it has ever since Israel withdrew from this town.
Rector Lucy Winkett was forced to write an article in response to the rising voice of protest. In it, she called the exhibition a part of a “beautiful resistance.”
Resistance to what? It can’t be to Israeli “occupation.” Israel handed over control of Bethlehem to the Palestinian Authority way back in 1995. They have a city council elected by residents of Bethlehem. They can vote in Palestinian elections should the Palestinian Authority ever decide to impose democracy. So, no, Bethlehem is not occupied by Israel.
I had earlier written about the threatening Palestinian oppression against the Christians of Bethlehem, the vast majority of whom have already fled the town. But let me give you breaking news that puts a true picture to the important security barrier.
During Christmas, Israeli security forces arrested 14 members of an Islamic Jihad terror cell based in Bethlehem.
This cell was responsible for the December 22 bus bombing in Bat Yam, Israel. During the arrest raid, a huge 20 kg bomb was discovered in the Bethlehem home of one of the terrorists. The intended target was to be a location in Tel Aviv.
Among those arrested was a terrorist that had been released from Israeli custody. Another was on a Palestinian police commanders course. A third worked inside Israel.
Is it any wonder Israel maintains its security barrier despite it being so criticised and demonised by St. James’s Church?
Islamic Jihad in Bethlehem is funded and supported by Iran. It could not function without the approval of the Palestinian Authority, the same PA that stores explosive Cemtex and weapons in its embassy in Prague that killed their ambassador in a work accident.
Is this part of the “beautiful resistance” of Lucy Winkett, the wardens and clergy, of St. James’s Church in Piccadilly, London. If so, shame on them for their moral blindness!
Barry Shaw, Founder of the Netanya Terror Victims Organisation.(formed to assist those suffering from the results of Palestinian terror).