http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem An entire Lightstalkers thread via RSS/XML. en-us Dear all- I'm going to be traveling to Bethlehem this summer and wondered if anyone had been there recently? I'd appreciate a bit of advice if anyone has, for instance- 1. should I get press accreditation from the Israeli Foreign Ministry? 2. can you recommend a fixer? 3. is it relatively safe to work there? Any suggestions would be gratefuly received. best simon Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:06:49 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem I don't know about 1 and 2. But Bethlehem is relatively safe and quiet. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:28:55 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149354 What Gidi said. The local boys will likely call your mom a donkey though, but it probably won't hurt. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:23:17 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149360 you should apply for press card from GPO (Government Press Office) in Jerusalem, +972-2-500-7518 / maybe call them ahead to see what's required for applying. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:24:13 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149376 it's very easy trip from jerusalem. there are buses 21 and 124 i think, they stand near damascus gate. if you have you own presscard take it to GPO and you can ask from some editor to write you a letter it helps too. i think it safe trip. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:31:53 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149604 GPO are a pain to freelancers these days, dunno if you'll get a card off them. The Palestinians will give you a press card from Ramallah, which is more handy inside Bethlehem than Israeli documents, unless you have a fixer. Fixers I've never used, so can't help you there. Yes, it's safe, and a foreign passport will get you through checkpoints just fine. What will you be working on? I'll be around later in the summer if you fancy a coffee. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:13:41 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149616 Thanks everyone. The general consensus seems to be that I'll be ok without a press card from the GPO. I'll see how I get on and if I get stopped anywhere, flash my UK press card. One other question- does anyone know if I can purchase 5x4 film stock in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, and then get it processed? I'm worried about carrying film through the airport scanners (last time I carried film on flight to Israel it was badly fogged thanks to the aggresive scanners they use). Anyway, I'll let you know how I get on for future reference. best simon Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:46:50 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149619 i think in jerusalem 4x5 is't a problem. in "prisma" or "shwartz" photoshops you will find them. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:28:06 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149642 Thanks Mark, that's very kind of you. By the way, I've been looking at your website and enjoyed the Palestinian taxi slideshow you've made. It reminded me of this fantastic documentary that was made a few years ago following one of the taxi drivers around the West Bank. It was called 'Ford Transit'. A wonderful piece of social documentary- heartwarming, frustrating and humorous. See details here: http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2767.shtml Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:09:50 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149645 The wankers at heathrow refuse to do all hand searches now. This was on thursday, with all film in jiffy bags and labeled. When I showed rent-a-body the BAA print out, explained the situation, he laughed and said he didn't follow those rules. You might get a better human being, but for the past 8 trips now, I've never had them do one. Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:32:47 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/traveling-to-bethlehem#149706