The Dead Sea is not far from here , just past Jerico, however it is cut off by the Israeliswho control who can go to it. It is a popular destination for Israelis and tourists most of whom go on tours from Israel, in fact there are no Palestine busses allowed there. Palestinians can go there if they can pass the check points and buy permits etcbut they have to have the expense of taxis if they have no car. Tomorrow, being Friday is the Muslim, Palestinian holiday so like everyone I have the day off. I had thought to go to visit the dead sea but I have now heard that no Palestinians are allowed there on Fridays! As this is the obvious day for them to go it is clearly yet another example of the Israeli’s causing them as much difficulty as possible for no good reason.
I could go of course with my foreign passport, but I would either need to get an expensive taxi or an Israeli bus and sit on the beach with Israelis and tourist groups knowing that my Palestinian friends can not be there. However I could have gone on Sunday but am now going on a tour of Oxfam projects in the Jordan valley which I am quite excited about and think I am very fortunate to be able to do.
No picture as haven’t seen it!
