Bethlehem: Christians prepare for quieter than usual Christmas
In the Holy Land, preparations for Christmas this year are much quieter than usual this year, after an outburst of violence across Israel and the West Bank in which at least 123 people: 105 Palestinians and 17 Israelis have been killed since 1 October. Many more have been injured. Extremist Jewish groups have also protested against the celebration of Christmas.
The richly decorated Christmas tree is taking a prominent place at Manger Square in Bethlehem, and is brightly illuminated. Some streets are also decorated, but less brightly than usual.
Many scheduled events have been cancelled. In lieu of the traditional fireworks, the churches of Bethlehem together with churches around rang their bells for peace on Saturday, 5 December.
"While celebrating Christmas, we celebrate as well Life, Joy and Hope, but we should do that in a spirit of compassion with those who suffer, and of respect for our dead", said Vera Baboun, Christian Mayor of Bethlehem. "The situation is critical, but we should keep on crying louder our message of peace, the message of a town which however does not know peace."
The procession of the Latin Patriarch will take place as usual. On 24 December, His Beatitude Fouad Twal will leave Jerusalem, with a halt at Mar Elias Monastery. He will cross the Separation Wall and finally arrive in Bethlehem. This solemn entry will mark the start of Christmas festivities. "It is good to see these traditions continuing, despite the situation", Fr Jamal Khader, Rector of Beit Jala Seminary, said. This procession of the Patriarch, from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, is a "spiritual journey". "Despite the Wall, these two towns, that of the birth of Christ and that of his death and Resurrection, are inseparable."
However many Palestinian Christians will not be allowed to cross the barrier to take part in the Mass or to see relatives. The Israeli authorities only issues a limited number of passes.
Fr Khader said he is concerned about the rise of Jewish extremism, demonstrated by the recurrence of attacks and acts of vandalism against Christian and Moslim places of worship. "These attacks concern us a lot, more so because of the impunity of their doers. These criminals are known by the authorities but are not followed up."
"What is the rule of law in Israel, and who is it for?" "These groups threaten coexistence between religions, The state of Israel should do something, and protect its citizens."
On Sunday 29th November, members of an extremist right group and anti-assimilation Lehava demonstrated in front of YMCA of Jerusalem because they were holding a Christmas bazaar. They called for Christians to leave the Holy Land.
To read further reports see:
www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Far-right-Israeli-activists-protest-Jerusalem-Christmas-event-435943
http://europe.newsweek.com/israels-right-wing-lehava-group-protests-christmas-event-over-invite-jews-399433?rm=eu
www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/palestinian-authority-limits-christmas-celebrations-in-west-bank/2015/11/30/45b61b9c-9796-11e5-aca6-1ae3be6f06d2_story.html