An interesting discussion of theologians was held at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Participants cautioned Christians against blind support for Israel. All panelists agreed that Israel should be held morally accountable.

Baptist News, May 3, 2002, By Michael Foust

This is another way for silent voices to be heard," said Bishop Ann B. Sherer of the United Methodist Church. "We need to hear what has happened to Palestinians who have been forced from their land without compensation and many now remain homeless."

By the Rev. J. Richard Peck, United Methodist News Service, May 7, 2002

As Jobs and Freedom Are Lost, Hardships of Incursion Outweigh Appeal of Living in Holy City.
"I want to live a normal life, where my children are not afraid," said Grace Handal, 27. "Where shells don't go over our house and tanks don't come into our yard. My kids used to draw pictures of birds. Now they draw tanks."

By Doug Struck, Washington Post, Monday, May 6, 2002

Andrew Bush and his wife Karen serve in the village of Bir Zeit, the home of the famous Palestinian University.

They challenge believers to get the whole story. "For Christians that come to Israel and make it on to the West Bank, they'll realize they've only been receiving part of the story and have been poorly informed."

By Jeremy Reynalds, ASSIST News Service, May 3, 2002

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray will participate directly in solving the crisis in Bethlehem caused by the Israeli Army siege around the Basilica of the Nativity, since 30 days ago.

According to Israel Radio, Israel Defense Forces will not permit Pope`s envoy to visit Bethlehem`s Church of Nativity

Special for Come and See, May 2, 2002

IDF Chief Rabbi Brig. Gen. Yisrael Weiss, 6,700 non-Jews serve in the army and 14 of them have been killed in the intifada.



Gideon Alon, Ha'aretz, May 3, 2002

Howard Bass is one of the Messianic leaders who signed the letter of appeal and the newspaper announcement of support for Israel.

He writes a letter to his brothers and sisters, leaders of Palestinian Christian Churches who were hurt by the letter:

"I want to express my deepest sorrow and regret for the unnecessary hurt"

Howard Bass, Special for Come and See, April 29, 2002

East Jerusalem Baptist Church, the Jerusalem Alliance Church and the Nazarene Church wish to extend an invitation to you to join with various congregations from Jerusalem in an Easter service that will be held on Sunday, May 5th.

Hopes and Prayers are made that Bethlehem area congregations will join too.

Special for Come and See, April 28, 2002

A Baptist Pastor living in Nazareth writes about his family in Bethlehem: "They are under curfew for 12 days, but do not feel bitterness in their hearts towards anyone, not even to the soldiers standing out of the door, but feel frustrated from the situation".
The electricity was cut off for more than 5 days - also the water.

By Azar Ajaj, Special For Come and See, April 28, 2002