It's Christmas in Bethlehem, 2000. In this final year of the 20th century, the town was expecting five million visitors to celebrate the end of the millennium, but the streets are deserted, the hotels are shut, and shops are empty. The Israeli army has closed off Bethlehem since the second Intifada began the previous September. Areas of the town have been heavily shelled and ruins are everywhere. Bethlehem Diary focuses on two Palestinian families and a human rights lawyer during this tumultuous period. We witness their lives amidst extraordinary events - through moments of despair, confusion and anger - and the ubiquitous presence of the Israeli army. The intimate, surreal, and humorous stories they tell help us to understand how violence and uncertainty affect both their public and private family lives.

Home | Current Events | News | Publications | About HRW | Regions | Global Issues | Campaigns | Contribute | What You Can Do | Community | Book Store | Film Festival | Search | Site Map | Contact Us | Privacy Policy