Though it doesn’t seem like it this year, Bethlehem, a small town in the occupied West Bank, has excellent reason to be known as the capital of Christmas.
Even though it’s usually peak time, there aren’t many people there. The Nativity Church, which was constructed over the site of what is thought to have been the birthplace of Jesus, does not have the customary joyous street decorations or the enormous Christmas tree in front of it.
Due to the conflict in Gaza, public Christmas celebrations have been canceled for a second year. Only family get-togethers and religious ceremonies are attended by Palestinian Christians.
“This should be a time of joy and celebration,” remarks local Lutheran priest Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac. “But in solidarity, Bethlehem is a depressing town.”
