Tue Dec 24 20:36:47 UTC 2024: ## Bethlehem Christmas Dampened by Gaza Conflict: No Traditional Tree in Manger Square
BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK – Christmas in Bethlehem arrived under a somber shadow Tuesday, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza overshadowed the traditional festivities. For the second consecutive year, the iconic Christmas tree remained absent from Manger Square, a decision made by the Bethlehem municipality in solidarity with Palestinians suffering in the war-torn territory.
While the Terra Sancta Scout Troop marched through the city, their Christmas carols were juxtaposed with banners demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. Messages of “We want life, not death” and “Stop the Gaza genocide now!” reflected the prevailing mood. Vendors sold traditional treats like nougat and shawarma, but the usual festive cheer was noticeably muted.
Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman expressed a hope for peace, stating, “We’re going to pray and ask God to end our suffering, to give this part of the world the peace that we expect, the peace that Jesus brought to the world.”
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, echoed this sentiment after celebrating mass in Gaza, where he witnessed widespread destruction. Despite the devastation, he emphasized the resilience of the Gazan people, urging others not to lose hope. He declared his intention to oversee a significantly larger Christmas tree in Manger Square next year, symbolizing a brighter future. The absence of a traditional Christmas tree this year serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict’s impact on the celebration of Christmas in its traditional birthplace.
First Piper 