There will be no opulent celebrations in Bethlehem this Christmas either. The West Bank is still feeling the effects of the Gaza war. But the Catholic Patriarch Pizzaballa doesn't want to let his confidence be diminished.
Overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, the official Christian Christmas ceremonies have begun in Bethlehem in the West Bank. The Catholic leader in the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, marched through the streets of the city to the Church of the Nativity with hundreds of scouts. Because Bethlehem is again refraining from exuberant celebrations this year because of the war, the scouts marched across Sternstrasse to Nativity Square without music or drummer choirs.
Some participants carried banners that read “We want life, not death.” One poster read: “Stop the Gaza genocide now!”. In front of the central peace center, the Latin Patriarch was welcomed by Mayor Anton Salman and other city personalities.
Scouts hold a sign saying “We want life, not death” during the traditional Christian procession to the Church of the Nativity.
2024 was “the most difficult year ever”
In a short speech on Manger Square, Pizzaballa called for peace, hope and confidence. 2024 was “the most difficult year ever” for the region. “But we must not allow war to destroy our lives. We need hope in this country that is marked by so much violence and hatred and hurt by disregard and fear.”
He conveyed the greetings and wishes of Christians from Gaza to the people of Bethlehem, where he had directly seen the destruction on Sunday. But he also saw life and confidence. “We don't give up, never,” said the patriarch to applause. He called on pilgrims all over the world to come back to the Holy Land. And he expressed hope that Bethlehem would put up the largest and most beautiful Christmas tree next year.
The midnight mass, which will also be held by Pizzaballa, will take place as usual. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was also invited, and he probably wants to be represented by a leading politician.
Hardly any tourists in the Holy Land
Unlike usual, the Christians of Bethlehem and the surrounding area are once again largely among themselves at this year's Christmas celebrations. Because of international travel warnings, hardly any foreign visitors come to the Holy Land. Hardly any guests are expected from the other parts of the West Bank – another big blow for the locals who make their living from tourism.
In the second year of the war, the city of Bethlehem decided to forego all public Christmas celebrations, a Christmas tree, festive lighting and decorations. A nativity scene like the one set up on the edge of Manger Square last year is also missing this time. The city – especially the area around the Church of the Nativity – looked dreary and empty for the second Christmas in a row. Most of the people who were at Nativity Square in the afternoon were police officers and journalists.
Julio Segador, ARD Tel Aviv, currently Bethlehem, tagesschau, December 24th, 2024 4:45 p.m
