I t is increasingly clear that the major roadblock to peace between Israel and the Palestinians is not Israel's alleged refusal to make concessions to Arab demands. In fact, the more land Israel concedes, the more strident the Palestinian cry becomes for more.
Jewish residents live in a virtual state of siege.
The pressure for all Jews to be expelled is constant. Bethlehemites have also had their share of problems since the town of Jesus' birth was handed over to Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians. Many Arab Christians have felt obliged to flee or face the wrath of radical Islamic elements. The population shift in Bethlehem has been dramatic. The current leadership of the PLO and the vast majority of Islamic leaders want Israel out of the land that they claim as the sole property of the followers of Allah.