Israel and the West Bank

Bedu man outside Jerusalem in January 1989. The blue mountains in the background are on the other side of the Dead Sea and lie in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.













Mishkenot Sha'ananim





A remarkable thing happens on the drive from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea. While you're still high in the mountains, catching glimpses of the deep Jordan Rift Valley far below, suddenly you come upon a highway marker that reads, "SEA LEVEL."

Because the Dead Sea lies 1300 feet below sea level - the lowest spot on earth - you really are in high mountains, but only relative to the deep Rift valley. Regardless, it's still a jolt to the rational senses. It's like riding to the top of a ski lift and, as you're getting off, noticing a sign that reads, "SEA LEVEL."

























Masada and the Dead Sea



A young John McCain at Masada, 1989