Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace, has formally cancelled Christmas for the primary time in many years as a result of the Israel-Hamas struggle.
The Palestinian metropolis within the West Financial institution has introduced its typical Christmas decorations will probably be taken down this 12 months.
Bethlehem can even put a cease to its typical celebrations “in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our folks in Gaza.”
This implies there will probably be no Christmas tree put up in Manger Sq. – the spot the place Jesus is alleged to be born.
This marks the primary time Bethlehem has cancelled Christmas celebrations for the reason that custom started – the sq. was nonetheless embellished even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
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A Bethlehem municipality spokesperson confirmed the conventional Christmas plans have been discarded forward of December 25.
The spokesperson stated: “The reason being the final scenario in Palestine; individuals are not likely into any celebration.
“They’re unhappy, indignant, and upset. Our folks in Gaza are being massacred and killed in chilly blood.
“Subsequently, it isn’t acceptable in any respect to have such festivities whereas there’s a bloodbath taking place in Gaza and assaults within the West Financial institution.
“Bethlehem ought to ship its personal message of condolence and mourning.”
Whereas a Christmas “mass and prayers” remains to be set to happen, no lights or decorations will probably be hung anyplace within the space.
Bethlehem has a inhabitants of roughly 25,000 folks, and it sits simply six miles south of Jerusalem within the Palestinian-controlled West Financial institution.
For many years, Christians from all world wide have gone on a pilgrimage to Manger Sq. and the Church of Nativity to have fun the start of Christ.
The city has been empty of holiday makers since Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel.
This comes as Israel continues its floor invasion into Gaza focusing on Hamas.
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