In Jesus' day, there were a number of people groups as well.  Of course, the Samaritans weren't on friendly terms with the Jews.  The Galileans were recognized by their distinct accent (see Matt 26:73).  One could hardly consider the Judeans to be homogeneous, with their many sects such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes.  And that's not to mention the occupying Roman forces.

Today there are many divisions between the peoples in Israel, whether identified by ethnicity, religion, or politics.  You may be an Arab and yet serve in the Israeli army or belong to a terrorist organization.  Tensions exist between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews.  Jewish Israelis can be found on opposite extremes of the political spectrum; members of "Peace Now" aren't best of friends with Jewish residents of Hebron.  Christians, Druze, Samaritans, Bedouins, and foreigners all contribute to the mix. 

The photo CD being released this month is entitled People of Palestine, and it includes many wonderful photos of some very fascinating peoples.  In the early 1900s, the American Colony photographers were very interested in the cultural distinctives of the residents, especially the Bedouin.  Because of the pressures of modernity, much of the customs and dress of the Bedouin are disappearing.  This volume includes sets of images of Arab men, women, and families.  In addition there are separate sets of Bedouin men, women, and children.  Jews and Samaritans are represented, as are some Christians and foreigners.  Because of my own interest in their story, I really like the images of the Matson family and the American Colony. 

If you're interested in the early exploration of Palestine, one of the best sources is the Palestine Exploration Fund Quarterly Statement.  However, like the Survey of Western Palestine volumes, they are rare and hard to find.  Some years ago I located an extensive (but incomplete) collection for sale in London.  Our school librarian flew to London to purchase and carry them back personally.  I would love to have the time just to sit and read through the volumes, beginning with the first in 1869. 

Fortunately, we are no longer limited by cost or availability, because almost all of the first 40 volumes (1869-1908) are now available online for free.  Below are links to each volume, including a link to a description page (with a variety of download options) and a direct link to the pdf file, if that is your preferred format.  If you're the kind of person that just wants them all available locally on your own hard drive, I've renamed the files and put them into a single zip file that you can download here (750 MB).  [Because of the large file size (and the bandwidth required), this link will only work for one month.  After that time, interested subscribers can contact me directly to get the file.]

 

Volumes 1-2, 1869-70 (details, pdf) Volumes 3-4, 1871-72 (details, pdf) Volumes 5-6, 1873-74 (details, pdf) Volumes 7-8, 1875-76 (details, pdf) Volumes 9-10, 1877-78 (details, pdf) Volumes 11-12, 1879-80 (details, pdf) Volumes 13-14, 1881-82 (details, pdf) Volumes 15-16 NOT AVAILABLE (?) Volumes 17-18, 1885-86 (details, pdf) Volumes 19-20, 1887-88 (details, pdf) Volumes 21-22, 1889-90 (details, pdf) Volumes 23-24, 1891-92 (details, pdf) Volumes 25-26, 1893-94 (details, pdf) Volumes 27-28, 1895-96 (details, pdf) Volumes 29-30, 1897-98 (details, pdf) Volume 31, 1899 (details, pdf) Volume 32, 1900 (details, pdf) Volume 33, 1901 (details, pdf) Volume 34, 1902 (details, pdf) Volume 35, 1903 (details, pdf) Volume 36, 1904 (details, pdf) Volume 37, 1905 (details, pdf) Volume 38, 1906 (details, pdf) Volume 39, 1907 (details, pdf) Volume 40, 1908 (details, pdf)

The photos below are taken from the set of images of Bedouin women.  You can see a complete description and list of images on the CD here.  If you're disappointed that we didn't choose men or children instead, don't be sad (look for subtle links).