A Palestinian man walks next to a section of Israel’s separation barrier, with graffiti painted by British artist Banksy, between Jerusalem and the West Bank town of Bethlehem Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Israel says the barrier is necessary for security, while Palestinians call it a land grab. (Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo)
Locals Hope the Murals will Cheer Up Bethlehem’s Economy
By Rebecca Harrison
BETHLEHEM. West Bank. December 3, 2007—
British graffiti artist Banksy is trying to bring cheer and boost tourism in Bethlehem this Christmas with a series of subversive murals in the town revered as Jesus’s birthplace.
The elusive street artist has painted six provocative new images — including a dove of peace strapped with a bulletproof vest and a young girl with pigtails frisking an Israeli soldier — on buildings around the West Bank town.