Protests Against Gaza Genocide: Christmas Observance in Jesus' Birthplace, Bethlehem, Marked by Mourning and Prayers for Peace

Protests Against Gaza Genocide: Christmas Observance in Jesus' Birthplace, Bethlehem, Marked by Mourning and Prayers for Peace

On Tuesday, in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, there was no Christmas tree or decorations at the Church of the Nativity, and the festive cheer of Christmas was absent. In this Israeli-occupied West Bank city, the usual holiday atmosphere was missing, as a large Christmas tree and decorations that typically adorn the area in front of the church were not present.

In central Bethlehem, the Terra Sancta Scout Troop, wearing red scarves, marched down the main shopping street, where vendors were selling nougat and shawarma.

The sweet sound of children singing Christmas carols filled the air, contrasting sharply with the somber messages on the banners they held: "We want life, not death" and "Stop the Gaza genocide!"

For the second year in a row, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem have been overshadowed by the war.

Typically, a large Christmas tree stands in Manger Square, opposite the Church of the Nativity, which is believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus over 2,000 years ago. However, like last year, Bethlehem's municipality decided to opt for modest celebrations out of respect for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

In Israel and Palestine, around 185,000 Christians live, and for them, prayer offers solace and hope for a better future. "We will pray and ask God to end our suffering and pray for the peace that Jesus brought to the world," said Anton Salman, the mayor of Bethlehem.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who led mass in Gaza on Sunday, shared a similar message of hope. He spoke at the Bethlehem Peace Center, saying, "I just arrived yesterday from Gaza. I saw everything destroyed, poverty, disaster. But I also saw life – they don’t give up. So you should not give up either. Never."

He continued, "We are stronger, we belong to light, not to darkness." "Next year, we want to see the biggest Christmas tree ever."