Bethlehem 2000 (Hardcover)

by Mitri Raheb (Author), Fred Strickert (Author), Garo Nalbandian (Photographer) "Bethlehem is no longer the quiet little town of the Christmas carol..." (more)
Key Phrases: Church of the Nativity, West Bank, Beit Sahour (more...)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Palmyra Verlag, George Stein; First Edition edition (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3930378213
• ISBN-13: 978-3930378210
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,215,873 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the millenium that doesn't neglect social justice, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This is a stunningly beautiful book, with a conscience. It is the most concise yet intensive orientation I can think of for either the student or the pilgrim seeking to understand the complexities of the Holy Land.

First though, it is a treat for the eyes. Nalbandian combines his own work--panoramic views of the city as well as striking character portraits and scenes from the Intifada--with selections from the 19th century for an absorbing visual display. They are alone comprehensive in portraying the cultural, religious, and political history of the people of Bethlehem and surrounding areas.

Yet, do not let these pictures distract you from the accompanying text. Raheb and Strickert have supplemented their commentary on Bethlehem's history and current events with several sidebars giving the reader an in-depth look at the origins of issues which have shaped Bethlehem. Perhaps the most vital of these is the story of Caliph Omar in the Church of the Nativity, a major determinant of relations between Christians and muslims in Bethlehem for centuries to come. Also included are selections from the Bible and Koran, regional poets, and a song for the Daheisha refugee camp. Examples of Arabic art and calligraphy are also included.

This is a book which follows the mystery of Christ's birth and the holy sites so many visitors come to see. But it is a book also about the people who continue to live and work in this place, who are so often forgotten among the ancient stones. The authors entreat you not to forget these struggling, strong people, the 'living stones' of the Holy Land.

Read this book for Christmas as the world contemplates that 'little town' of long ago, even if you never make a visit. If you are going to Bethlehem someday, read this book now. If you have been to Bethlehem already, read it and learn what you likely have missed on your journey. Seek to understand. Seek peace.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Islamist propoganda, September 5, 2005

By	Seth J. Frantzman (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is about Bethlehem which in the year 2000 is 75% Muslim and more than 60% Hamas voters. This is Behtlehem 2000, a place where PA laws forbid mixed marriages that allow the child to be Christian, where Christians are harrased and expelled and forced to emigrate. A place where daily the birthplace of christ is desecrated.

The propoganda stories about Islam abound in this book, and in general it is a text for brainwashing people to convert to Islam. Koran is placed beside Bible and Jesus is defamed.

The pictures are the books only redemption for they show the people of Bethlehem and the town itself. The text is pure propoganda. In 20 years not one Christian will remain in Bethlehem, the fault of a repressive anti-minority Palestinian administration that has set its goal the ethnic cleansing of Christians. Unfortunatly this book is only full of glowing love for the Palestinain terrorist organziations and songs from a 'refugee camp' where 90% of the residents are not refugees and where Shahid(martyr) posters of those who blew themselves up to take lives line the streets, the most un-CHristian message one could think of. Offensive and disgusting.

Seth J. Frantzman