The biblical Christmas story is not a fairy tale from the distant past but a highly political story can profoundly identify with in December 2023. It is a Palestinian story par excellence.
Christian leaders have canceled Christmas celebrations in the biblical town of Bethlehem due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Christmas tree in Manager Square will not be put up. However, the Church of Nativity is still receiving visitors.
it all started. having spent time down on manager square tonight, there is a cold hard rain going it is different than any christmas you will ever experience. with bag pipers ltd.ing the way and drum corp keeping time. palestinian boycotts marched in bethlehem on christmas eve. and the patriarch arrived to announce the gingof christmas. the same place it started two millennium ago. merry christmas everybody. despite the feeling of celebration, there was an unmistakable security presence. palestinian security officers armed with ak 47 . tourism is the life blood of the bethlehem economy and the last thing they can afford is an attack. it is nice being a part of it and here of all places.