Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza
1 week, 6 days ago

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza

LA Times  

Palestinian police line up next to the Church of the Nativity, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born, in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza. “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem,” said Najla Tarazi, a displaced woman. “We did not have snow for Christmas for 17 years here, and now is the time for wonderful white Christmas.” Planes grounded in the United States American Airlines briefly grounded flights across the U.S. on Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive. Spanish ministries bring seafarers holiday cheer In the port of Barcelona, Spain, volunteers from the faith-based ministry Stella Maris visited seven ships docked there on Christmas Eve to deliver Nativity scenes and the local specialty of turrón nougat candy to seafarers.

Christmas War Palestinian Gaza Israel Palestinians Israeli Eve Tree Jesus Christians Christmas Eve Bethlehem Hama  christmas  church  tree  west  subdued  marks  eve  palestinian  killed  bank  bethlehem  nativity  second  war  gaza

History of this topic

Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas under shadow of war
1 week, 5 days ago

Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas under shadow of war

Deccan Chronicle  

Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark a solemn Christmas overshadowed by war, as Pope Francis led mass in the Vatican.In Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, festive decorations were missing for a second consecutive year.The crowd of several hundred paled in comparison to the throngs of tourists and …

Syrian Christians attend first Christmas Eve service since al-Assad’s fall
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Syrian Christians attend first Christmas Eve service since al-Assad’s fall

Al Jazeera  

Syrian Christians have attended Christmas Eve services for the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in early December. In Sednaya, Syria, a large crowd gathered near a historic monastery on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. “This year is different, there’s happiness, victory and a new birth for …

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza

The Hindu  

Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza. “And these days, we are also sending our message to the world: peace and hope, but insisting that the world must work to end our suffering as Palestinian people.” The cancellation of Christmas festivities is a severe blow to …

Syrian protests erupt over video of fighters burning Christmas tree
1 week, 5 days ago

Syrian protests erupt over video of fighters burning Christmas tree

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets …

I Used to Love Christmas in Gaza. Now All That’s Left of It Are My Memories.
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

I Used to Love Christmas in Gaza. Now All That’s Left of It Are My Memories.

Slate  

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The malls put up their Christmas trees, which everyone takes their selfies next to; the streets resound with Christmas songs and New Year receptions, and Christian institutions organize many celebrations that continue throughout the month of December. The Young …

Cities worldwide hold subdued Christmas Eve celebrations amid conflicts
1 week, 5 days ago

Cities worldwide hold subdued Christmas Eve celebrations amid conflicts

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Scouts line up during the traditional Christian procession towards the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, …

Fears for Christians in Syria as Christmas tree is burned down in first major sign the religious minority will be targeted after the fall of Assad - prompting protests in Damascus
Top News
1 week, 5 days ago

Fears for Christians in Syria as Christmas tree is burned down in first major sign the religious minority will be targeted after the fall of Assad - prompting protests in Damascus

Daily Mail  

The burning of a Christmas tree by gunmen in the Syrian city of Hama has fuelled fears within the country's Christian community that they will be targeted by Islamist factions under the new administration. The Christmas tree near the city of Hama was set fire just two days after it was lit and hours before Christmas Eve Reports stated that …

Sombre Christmas in Bethlehem amid Israeli killings of Palestinians
1 week, 6 days ago

Sombre Christmas in Bethlehem amid Israeli killings of Palestinians

Al Jazeera  

With no Christmas tree or decorations adorning the Church of the Nativity, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, holiday cheer was absent in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem on Tuesday. The sweet sound of children singing Christmas carols filled the air, a sharp contrast to sombre messages on the banners they held: “We want life, not death”, …

Bethlehem marks melancholic Christmas for second year in shadow of Gaza war
1 week, 6 days ago

Bethlehem marks melancholic Christmas for second year in shadow of Gaza war

Al Jazeera  

The excitement and cheer that typically descends on the Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank on Christmas are nowhere to be found. Bethlehem, the city in the occupied West Bank that Christians believe is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks another solemn Christmas under the shadow of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. “And these days, we are also sending our …

Security deployed as wartime Bethlehem readies for another sombre Christmas
Trending News
1 week, 6 days ago

Security deployed as wartime Bethlehem readies for another sombre Christmas

New Indian Express  

Palestinian security forces deployed around the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday, as the faithful prepared for another solemn Christmas overshadowed by the war in Gaza. An unusual calm enveloped Manger Square, the heart of the Palestinian city dominated by the revered church that marks the site where Christians believe Jesus Christ …

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree
1 week, 6 days ago

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree

CNN  

CNN — Protests erupted in Christian neighborhoods of the Syrian capital Damascus after a Christmas tree was set on fire in another town by unidentified men on Monday evening. Residents of the Syrian capital Damascus tell CNN that HTS has not imposed any limitations on celebrations or prayers this year, but Christians still fear that non-HTS rogue armed elements could …

Bethlehem plans another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza
2 weeks ago

Bethlehem plans another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — The Nativity Store in Manger Square has sold handmade olive wood carvings and religious items to people visiting the traditional birthplace of Jesus since 1927. “Last year before Christmas, we had more hope, but now again we are close to Christmas and we don’t have anything,” said Rony Tabash, the third-generation owner of Nativity Store. A …

Christmas under the rubble in Bethlehem
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Christmas under the rubble in Bethlehem

The Hindu  

News of continued bombings in Gaza killing more than 22,500 Palestinians and of Israeli raids in the West Bank killing more Palestinians, as well as the cancellation of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, brought back memories of my life in Gaza between 1996 and 1998. The first time I drove to Bethlehem from Gaza in 1996, after crossing the usual Israeli …

Israeli forces strike Bethlehem on Christmas day amid raids across West Bank
1 year ago

Israeli forces strike Bethlehem on Christmas day amid raids across West Bank

Live Mint  

Israel-Hamas war: Stepping up its attack against Palestine, Israeli Defence Forces conducted some deadly Christmas Day raids against Palestinian targets in the occupied West Bank. The development comes amid a surge in violence in the occupied West Bank after Israel launched its war against Hamas targets in Gaza, which has killed more than 20,000 people including innocent civilians. Israeli forces …

Bethlehem Pastor’s Hard-Hitting Christmas Message; Says ‘Jesus Would Be Born Under Rubble…’ | Watch
1 year ago

Bethlehem Pastor’s Hard-Hitting Christmas Message; Says ‘Jesus Would Be Born Under Rubble…’ | Watch

Hindustan Times  

Bethlehem Pastor’s Hard-Hitting Christmas Message; Says ‘Jesus Would Be Born Under Rubble…’ | Watch The birthplace of Jesus Christ at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank observed a sombre Christmas celebration due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian pastor at a church in Bethlehem, Munther Isaac, delivered a powerful Christmas …

Bethlehem’s Christmas: Bombed-out town refrains from celebrations
1 year ago

Bethlehem’s Christmas: Bombed-out town refrains from celebrations

Live Mint  

Bethlehem's celebrations fell silent on 25 December 2023, Christmas Day, as the town chose not to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who is believed to have been born in this place. Bethlehem is a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem, a town that is seeing the atrocities of Israel's aerial bombing campaign and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip. Bethlehem fell …

Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ, turns grim on Christmas Eve amid Israel-Hamas war
1 year ago

Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ, turns grim on Christmas Eve amid Israel-Hamas war

Hindustan Times  

The typically bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town Sunday after Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. People walk along the streets of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, in the Old City of Bethlehem The festive lights and Christmas tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of …

Israel hits Bethlehem in Christmas raids on occupied West Bank
1 year ago

Israel hits Bethlehem in Christmas raids on occupied West Bank

Al Jazeera  

Dozens have been arrested as Israeli forces stormed Jenin and areas around Nablus. In the village of Burqa, northwest of the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces arrested at least 20 people, including senior citizens. At least 700,000 Israeli settlers live in illegal, fortified, Jewish-only settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the majority of …

On Christmas Eve, celebrations halted in Bethlehem due to Israel-Hamas war
1 year ago

On Christmas Eve, celebrations halted in Bethlehem due to Israel-Hamas war

The Hindu  

The normally bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town on December 24, as Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. “This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,” said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years. Palestinian Christians held …

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war
1 year ago

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — The typically bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town Sunday after Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. “This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,” said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years. Bethlehem …

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war.
1 year ago

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war.

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The normally bustling biblical birthplace …

Muted Christmas as Palestinian Christians mourn for Gaza
1 year ago

Muted Christmas as Palestinian Christians mourn for Gaza

Al Jazeera  

In a traditional season of merriment, many Palestinian Christians – in Bethlehem and beyond – are gripped with helplessness, pain and worry amid Israel’s brutal war on Gaza. “I’m saying, ‘God, how are you allowing all these children to die?’ … I’m mad at God; I hope He forgives me.” In better times, she finds the Christmas spirit in the …

What are Palestine’s unique Christmas rituals, disrupted by Israel’s war?
1 year ago

What are Palestine’s unique Christmas rituals, disrupted by Israel’s war?

Al Jazeera  

This year’s Christmas will have rubble-laden mangers and silent processions amid the war between Israel and Hamas. “It’s the year 2023, and you’ve got, on Christmas day, all over the world, millions of, so many, hundreds of millions, if not more, of Christians going to church, reading about Bethlehem, singing about Bethlehem and thinking maybe of Bethlehem as a mythical …

In Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter, ‘it doesn’t even feel like Christmas’
1 year ago

In Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter, ‘it doesn’t even feel like Christmas’

Al Jazeera  

Jerusalem’s Christians describe a bleak Christmas season as they pray for the people of Gaza instead of celebrating. “It doesn’t even feel like Christmas,” said Christo, a soft-spoken Palestinian shopkeeper from inside his Christian souvenir shop stocked with beautiful religious garments while angelic music plays in the background. “Every Christmas, we gather as a family with our parents, children, grandchildren …

‘Without work and hope’: Bethlehem’s Christmas economy bleeds from Gaza war
1 year ago

‘Without work and hope’: Bethlehem’s Christmas economy bleeds from Gaza war

Al Jazeera  

The West Bank city loses Christmas tourism amid daily Israeli raids and the continuing assault on the Gaza Strip. ‘Impossible to rejoice’ Vendors like Juqman had suffered “setbacks” due to “quarantines, and COVID measures” in recent years, which caused a decline in the economy, he said. Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Munther Isaac, said …

In Bethlehem, the home of Jesus’ birth, a season of grieving for Palestinian Christians
1 year ago

In Bethlehem, the home of Jesus’ birth, a season of grieving for Palestinian Christians

LA Times  

Nor is it intended to be. “I see God in the rubble,” said Munther Isaac, the Palestinian pastor of a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem, the West Bank town revered by Christians as Jesus’ birthplace. The creche at a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem, West Bank, features baby Jesus surrounded by jagged chunks of stone — evoking bombed-out buildings. “May …

Amid Gaza conflict, Bethlehem prepares for a quieter Christmas
1 year ago

Amid Gaza conflict, Bethlehem prepares for a quieter Christmas

Hindustan Times  

Bethlehem is gearing up for a subdued Christmas, without the festive lights and customary Christmas tree towering over Manger Square, after officials in Jesus' traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. “But if we compare it with what’s happening to our people and Gaza, it’s nothing.” More than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed and more than …

Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas
1 year ago

Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Bethlehem is gearing up for a subdued Christmas, without the festive lights and customary Christmas tree towering over Manger Square, after officials in Jesus’ traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. “But if we compare it with what’s happening to our people and Gaza, it’s nothing.” More than 18,700 Palestinians have been …

Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus' traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas
1 year ago

Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus' traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Palestinian town of Bethlehem faces ‘worst Christmas ever’ as Israel war scares away tourists and pilgrims
1 year ago

Palestinian town of Bethlehem faces ‘worst Christmas ever’ as Israel war scares away tourists and pilgrims

Hindustan Times  

Bethlehem is normally at its busiest at Christmas but this year war has scared away tourists and pilgrims from the in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, leaving hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops deserted. A woman arranges an installation of a scene of the nativity of Christ withith a figure "symbolising baby Jesus lying in his manger amid rubble", in reference to …

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits
2 years ago

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits

Deccan Chronicle  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank: The biblical town of Bethlehem marked a merry Christmas on Saturday, with thousands of visitors descending upon the traditional birthplace of Jesus as it rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic. “We are celebrating Christmas this year in a very much different way than last year,” Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maayah said. “We’re celebrating Christmas with pilgrims coming from …

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits
2 years ago

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — The biblical town of Bethlehem marked a merry Christmas on Saturday, with thousands of visitors descending upon the traditional birthplace of Jesus as it rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic. “We are celebrating Christmas this year in a very much different way than last year,” Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maayah said. “We’re celebrating Christmas with pilgrims coming …

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits
2 years ago

Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Bethlehem welcomes Christmas tourists after pandemic lull
2 years ago

Bethlehem welcomes Christmas tourists after pandemic lull

Associated Press  

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Business is bouncing back in Bethlehem after two years in the doldrums during the coronavirus pandemic, lifting spirits in the traditional birthplace of Jesus ahead of the Christmas holiday. Elias Arja, head of the Bethlehem hotel association, said that tourists are hungry to visit the Holy Land’s religious sites after suffering through lockdowns and travel restrictions …

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