We stopped in Newark on the way over but didn't change planes. Tel Aviv- 12 hours. Most of what we see on TV can almost be considered staged. There was an incident along the Lebanese border while we were in Jerusalem. Our group leader was also eager to get us in and out of Bethlehem because it was Christmas, Hanukah, and Ramadan all rolled into one.
Tourism is way down because of the negative press here.
One couple who was on their 37th Elderhostel said this was the best they'd had. I didn't have any emotional feelings anywhere. The vendors are everywhere but we were able to go down to the cave beneath the church so that was neat. The van that took us to Ein Gev went up and down and around many hills. Lights of villages were everywhere.