Bethlehem, Jesus’ Birthplace In The West Bank, Finally Lit Its Christmas Tree After Two Years Of Israel’s Genocide
For two years during Israel’s genocide, church leaders in Jerusalem and the West Bank have canceled all public Christmas celebrations and decorations in honor and in solidarity with all the Palestinians killed in Gaza.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus in the occupied West Bank, is finally celebrating Christmas, lighting the Christmas tree for the first time after two years of canceled celebrations due to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
For two years during Israel’s genocide, church leaders in Jerusalem and the West Bank have canceled all public Christmas celebrations and decorations in honor and in solidarity with all the Palestinians killed in Gaza.
After the “ceasefire” began on Oct. 10, the city brought the celebrations back, and thousands of Palestinians filled the square to watch the lights return in a tree lighting ceremony in Manger Square on Dec. 6
Residents said the lighting marked both the return of the Nativity season and a symbol of freedom and resilience.
“The celebrations this year are unlike any before,” a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church told Al Jazeera. “Bethlehem is beautifully decorated, and the tree is lit, but there is deep sorrow inside every Palestinian.”
Bethlehem’s mayor Maher Canawati echoed the message, saying it had been two years with “no Christmas, no work, no tourism at all.”
“We wanted to revive hope for the people of Bethlehem and all Palestinians, and to send that hope to Gaza and to the world,” he added.
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