![Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney said Wednesday he's carrying a message of peace for Israel and the Palestinians, rejecting criticism of his planned concert in Tel Aviv.]( "Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney said Wednesday he's carrying a message of peace for Israel and the Palestinians, rejecting criticism of his planned concert in Tel Aviv.")
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney said Wednesday he's carrying a message of peace for Israel and the Palestinians, rejecting criticism of his planned concert in Tel Aviv.
McCartney toured the Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
The Beatles legend ducked into the fourth-century church through its low, narrow entrance, taking pictures with a small camera on a strap around his neck. He lit two long, tapered white candles in different parts of the church, saying each time that they were "for peace."
After posing for pictures with fans of all ages 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 Wednesday to the West Bank showed he was not playing favorites. "I'm here to highlight the situation and to say that what we need is peace in this region, a two-state solution," he said, referring to Israel and a Palestinian state.
"I get criticized everywhere I go, but I don't listen to them," McCartney said. "I'm bringing a message of peace, and I think that's what the region needs."
Earlier in the day, McCartney posed for photographers at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday's concert at Yarkon Park.
"According to The Jerusalem Post this morning, I may not be the real Paul McCartney, so I just wanted to let you know that it really is me," he said with a smile on his face.
McCartney was referring to the story in Wednesday's Post about the 40-year-old rumor that he died in a car accident in 1966.
McCartney, arrived at 3 a.m. Wednesday on his private jet and he was expected to rehearse at Yarkon Park later Wednesday evening.
He left the hotel and signed autographs for fans waiting outside before heading off in a car, apparently to visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He was reportedly also set to travel to Jerusalem and visit the Kotel.
Last week, McCartney was interviewed by The Jerusalem Post. In the interview, the world famous musician spoke about his beliefs, his near-universal fame, the inspiration for some of his songs and about his optimistic outlook on life.
According to the Dan Hotel, McCartney and his entourage will be occupying most of its 21 suites, while the singer himself will be staying on the fifth floor's Presidential Suite.
The hotel has installed a grand piano in the suite's living room, and a private butler will be at McCartney's disposal 24 hours a day for the entire stay.
McCartney will be accompanied by his personal chef/dietitian, who will team up with the hotel's executive chef Ovad Alfia to prepare special meals and drinks.
In preparation for Thursday night's show, police have released a list of traffic adjustments, changes to bus and train routes and a request to the public to help ensure that one of the biggest musical acts ever to hit Israel goes off without a hitch.
"What's important is that people use public transportation as much as possible," Tel Aviv Police spokesman Benny Telles said. "Use trains and buses, and we're also asking that people don't show up en mass at the last minute. Otherwise, we're looking at this much like the Avoda Ivrit show in Tel Aviv a few months ago - we're expecting everything to be fine."
Reshet Bet and 88 FM will broadcast portions of the show live on Thursday night.
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