One of our stops was the Israeli town of Gilo, which is perched on a hill overlooking the Palestinian town of Beit Jala. The very location shown in these photos is very much in the news, as the current Palestinian offensive has aimed regular shellings at this hill. The Israeli Defense Force (the IDF) has fortified this location since these photos were taken, and as of last night (August 27, 2001), IDF armored units actually are occupying Beit Jala.

Photography by