Posted on 12/01/2024 4:42:08 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - For a second year running, there is no Christmas cheer in Bethlehem, with tourists shunning the Palestinian city and many residents seeking a way out as the Gaza war grinds on.
Bethlehem's Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity is largely deserted and souvenir shops are shuttered.
Once again, there are no plans to put up the traditional light-festooned Christmas Tree in the ancient settlement that is venerated by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus and now sits in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
"During these difficult times that our Palestinian cities are going through, especially in the Gaza Strip, it is difficult to show any signs of joy and happiness," said Issa Thaljieh, an Orthodox priest who ministers at the Nativity Church.
Adding to the gloom, many local Christian families are also looking to escape, demoralised by both the tourist slump that has ravaged their economy, and the constant threat of violence hovering over the territory northeast of Gaza.
"The emigration out of Bethlehem is increasing daily and monthly, and ... this has a negative impact on the city," Thaljieh said.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
We must strangle Iran and any other country harboring muslim terrorists, including Turkey before this will ever change. The domecrats and RINOs have made a huge mess in the middle east. Until then, we can only pray for the Christians and Jews.
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
Liberate Constantinople!
Free Hagia Sophia!
And free Christian Bethlehem, too!
Any Christian tourist would need to be either crazy or a highly trained Mercenary to go into that area right now.
I’ve been there. But it was calm at the time. I wouldn’t go there right now.
Those Christians left in Bethlehem are still there mainly because they have to toe the PLO/HAMAS line of propaganda. If they don’t they are harassed. Many Arab (PALEOstinian) Christians have left Bethlehem because they do not want to live under an ever increasing PLO dictatorship where Islam is dominant over Christianity.
Since Israel pulled out of Bethlehem via the failed Oslo Accords, (1993) this has been the trend:
Christians leave, supplanted by Muslims.
I was there.
Not really worth going to see.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.