West Bank Wall

West Bank Wall - Israel

There was a debate over whether the West Bank Wall in Israel is a "fence" or a "wall". I visited Berlin before and after its wall fell in 1989. The Israeli West Bank Wall is 2-3 times taller and thicker than the Berlin Wall. And unlike the Berlin version, which was simply placed on the ground on triangular bases, the Israeli version is imbedded in poured cement foundation and has built-in guard towers like the one above, therefore appeared more permanent than its German counterpart.

Travel Tip
Many taxi drivers in Jerusalem will try to sell you a round trip to Bethlehem, which is only 6 miles from Jerusalem but still past the "fence" all above, for 200-250 shekels, or 40-70 shekels for one-way to the Bethlehem checkpoint that is just before the "fence" above. Decline both options, as you can take the air-conditioned minibus from the Damascus Gate to the Bethlehem checkpoint for 3 shekels each way.