Religion Roundup
Paul McCartney Visits Bethlehem, Calls for Peace
Associated Press
September 25, 2008
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - Paul McCartney, rejecting criticism of his concert tonight in Tel Aviv, says he's carrying a message of peace for Israel and the Palestinians.
McCartney toured the West Bank town of Bethlehem Wednesday, visiting the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
The 66-year-old former Beatle ducked into the fourth-century church, taking pictures and lighting two candles in different parts of the church, saying each time that they were "for peace."
After posing for pictures with fans outside the fortress-like church, McCartney was asked to respond to criticism from some Palestinians that his visit to Israel supports its occupation of the West Bank.
He said his visit to the West Bank showed he was not playing favorites.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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