2003 Photo Contest, People in the News, 1st prize
Photographer

Carolyn Cole

Los Angeles Times

06 May, 2002

Facing Mecca instead of the altar, Muslim men bow in prayer. Although this was against church rules, the Christian priests gave permission for daily prayers. Israeli military forces occupied the city of Bethlehem on April 2, as part of Operation Defensive Shield. Palestinian militants, civilians and Palestinian police officers, sought refuge in the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the spot revered by Christians as the birthplace of Christ. The militants included men accused by Israel of direct involvement with terrorism, and a stand-off ensued which lasted for 39 days. Israeli snipers shot and killed eight men inside the compound before a settlement was reached in which 13 militants were exiled to Europe and 26 others were sent to the Gaza strip. The remaining people were freed.

About the photographer

Carolyn Cole

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