The West Bank town of Bethlehem is preparing for Christmas without holiday lights and the usual Christmas tree in Manger Square after authorities in Jesus’ hometown decided to abandon the celebration due to the war between Israel and Hamas.
The cancellation of the Christmas holidays, which usually attract thousands of visitors, is a major blow to the city’s tourism-dependent economy. But the joyous revelry cannot continue at a time of enormous suffering for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Mayor Hana Haniyeh said.
“The economy is plummeting. But if you compare this with what is happening to our people and to Gaza, this is nothing,” Haniyeh said. Associated Press This Friday.
Haniyeh says that although Christmas holidays have been cancelled, religious ceremonies will remain on the holiday calendar. “Bethlehem is an important part of the Palestinian community. Therefore, at midnight mass this year we will pray for peace, for the message of peace that was founded in Bethlehem when Jesus Christ was born,” the mayor said.
Author: Philippa Novais
Source: CM Jornal
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