Clare and Johnny Anastas

In 2002, amidst the second intifada, and while the children were at school, the military turned up and built the 8 metre high wall on three sides of this house, which lay on the main road into Bethlehem. Overnight, this prosperous family, with several shops, lost their business and became isolated. They have been told that they will be shot if they use the roof of the house. 

Today, Clare is in the US talking about the experience of the family. Meanwhile I spoke to Johnny, who told me how they have tried to cope. 

They have a gift shop which caters for the people that come to see this strange site. He also now offers an unusual type of guest house, for those keen to find out more about the situation here.

Why this convoluted wall. Well Rachel (Jacob's wife) was buried in Bethlehem, but Israel has managed to extend the security wall so that the tomb can now only be accessed from Israel. 

Of course, this is just another of those "security" issues.