Palestinian Officials Cancel Christmas Celebration at the Site of Jesus’ Birth for the First Time in Years
Christmas Celebration at the Site of Jesus’ Birth Canceled by Palestinian Officials
Every year, Christians flock to the West Bank community of Bethlehem to honor the birth of the Prince of Peace. However, this year, the community has made a controversial decision to prioritize terrorists over Christmas festivities.
“Bethlehem Municipality crews announced the dismantling of Christmas decorations installed several years ago in the city’s neighborhoods and removing all festive appearances in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza,” the municipality wrote Tuesday on Facebook.
A spokesman for the community explained the decision, stating, “This year the situation in Bethlehem is unprecedented and the mood and vibes are extremely sad, and that is exactly what the world should see, and realize that these are not normal circumstances. Bethlehem should send out its own message of condolence and mourning.”
The spokesman attributed the change to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which was in response to the terrorist group’s attacks that claimed the lives of 1,200 people in southern Israel.
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The spokesman further emphasized the somber atmosphere in Palestine, stating, “The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood. Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”
Jesus’ birthplace removes all Christmas decorations in honor of Hamas ‘martyrs’ -“First they come for the Saturday people, then they come for the Sunday people”. https://t.co/ZlxV4DwuJf
— AdinaZ (@lackboys3) November 16, 2023
Despite the cancellation of Christmas decorations, individuals can still visit Manger Square for prayer, and traditional Christmas services will still be held.
The decision by Bethlehem to show solidarity with Hamas has garnered attention worldwide. The U.K.’s Daily Mail reported that this is the first time in living memory that the birthplace of Jesus has not been adorned with festive decorations.
According to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the site of the current church has been recognized as the birthplace of Jesus since the 2nd century, with the first church on the site built in 339.
Amidst these events, Hamas claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli security checkpoint near Bethlehem, resulting in injuries to six Israeli security force members and the death of all three Palestinian attackers.
The post Palestinian Officials Cancel Christmas Celebration at the Site of Jesus’ Birth for the First Time in Years appeared first on The Western Journal.
What is the significance of Bethlehem as a site for Christmas celebrations, and how does the cancellation of decorations affect the global Christian community’s connection to the birth of Jesus?
Christmas Celebration at the Site of Jesus’ Birth Canceled by Palestinian Officials
Every year, Christians from all around the world flock to the West Bank community of Bethlehem to honor the birth of the Prince of Peace. It is a time of joy and celebration, as believers gather to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, this year, the community of Bethlehem has made a controversial decision to prioritize terrorists over Christmas festivities.
“Bethlehem Municipality crews announced the dismantling of Christmas decorations installed several years ago in the city’s neighborhoods and removing all festive appearances in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza,” the municipality wrote on their Facebook page on Tuesday.
The decision has received significant attention and criticism. Many view it as an inappropriate action that undermines the true spirit of Christmas. A spokesman for the community defended the decision, stating that the situation in Bethlehem is unprecedented and the mood and vibes are extremely sad. According to him, the world needs to see and realize that these are not normal circumstances.
The spokesman attributed the change in decorations to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which was in response to the terrorist group’s attacks that claimed the lives of 1,200 people in southern Israel. He further emphasized the somber atmosphere in Palestine, stating that people are not in the mood for any celebration. They are sad, angry and upset, especially with what is happening to their people in Gaza.
While the cancellation of Christmas decorations is regrettable, individuals can still visit Manger Square for prayer, and traditional Christmas services will still be held.
The decision by Bethlehem to show solidarity with Hamas has garnered attention worldwide. The U.K.’s Daily Mail reported that this is the first time in living memory that the birthplace of Jesus has not been adorned with festive decorations.
The site of the current church in Bethlehem has been recognized as the birthplace of Jesus since the 2nd century, with the first church on the site built in 339, according to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
In the midst of these events, Hamas claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli security checkpoint near Bethlehem, resulting in injuries to six Israeli security force members and the death of
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