Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marked another sombre Christmas amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the heart of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, holiday cheer was overshadowed by war and grief. Without its iconic Christmas tree or decorations, the Church of the Nativity reflected the prevailing mood. This year’s events highlighted the resilience of Bethlehem’s community amidst tragedy, underscoring their collective call for peace and justice.
Stripped-Down Festivities
For the second consecutive year, Bethlehem’s municipality opted for modest celebrations. Out of respect for Palestinians enduring suffering in Gaza, no grand displays adorned Manger Square or the streets near the Church of the Nativity. The Terra Sancta Scout Troop, clad in red scarves, marched silently through central Bethlehem, holding banners that read, “We want life, not death” and “Stop the Gaza genocide now!”
Hope Amid Devastation
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recently returned from Gaza and presided over the midnight mass in Bethlehem. Reflecting on the destruction, he shared a poignant message of hope: “I saw everything destroyed, poverty, disaster. But I also saw life. Never give up.” Standing alongside a Palestinian flag, he expressed a wish for brighter celebrations next year, symbolized by the biggest Christmas tree ever.
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Calls for Peace
Mayor Anton Salman reiterated the community’s commitment to prayer and peace. “We pray for an end to suffering and for the peace that Jesus brought to the world,” he said. Clergy and community members gathered at the Church of the Nativity, seeking solace and strength to endure the hardships of ongoing conflict.
A Bleak Yet Resilient Spirit
The streets of Bethlehem, usually vibrant with tourists during Christmas, appeared quiet. Vendors selling nougat and shawarma served locals instead of international visitors. However, even in the midst of despair, small acts of celebration persisted. Children sang carols, families attended mass, and a few posed with a man dressed as Santa Claus near the Church of the Nativity.
A Unified Message of Resistance
Palestinian Christians in Gaza also observed Christmas amidst devastation. At the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, Father Gabriel Romanelli led a solemn Christmas Eve mass, offering prayers for peace and unity. Despite their suffering, communities in Bethlehem and Gaza conveyed a shared message: resilience against adversity and a steadfast belief in a better future.
Looking Toward a Peaceful Tomorrow
While the atmosphere in Bethlehem remains subdued, the spirit of its people endures. Through prayer, unity, and symbolic gestures, they continue to shine a light on the need for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Their hope for brighter celebrations in the years to come reflects their unwavering faith in humanity’s ability to overcome even the darkest times.
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