A sad, quiet Christmas in God’s land of Bethlehem because of the war

(Dan Tri) – This year’s Christmas in the city of Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine – where Christ was born – was almost heartbreakingly deserted because of the influence of the war between Israel and Hamas.

The image of Jesus being born amid the ruins is decorated inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem city (Photo: Washington Post).

At Christmas, people often flock to the city of Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine.

But this year is different.

The city of Bethlehem has canceled its Christmas event, there is no giant pine tree, no market, no parties, no carols, no Santa Claus handing out candy to children.

Instead of traditional holiday decorations, a church here created a simple Christmas decoration scene for this year’s holiday: Jesus was born amid a pile of rubble in a dilapidated building.

Palestinian Muslims visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on December 21 (Photo: Washington Post).

Priest Issa Taljieh of Bethlehem said he had never seen anything like it before.

Many city residents who had high hopes for this year’s Christmas season are now truly disappointed and hurt.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Bethlehem usually welcomes up to 1.5 million tourists each year.

This holy place is home mainly to Jews and Muslims.

In her annual Christmas message, Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania declared mourning for the unfortunate victims and condemned Israel’s war in Gaza as `ethnic cleansing` and `genocide`.

So did Chamber of Commerce head Samir Hazboun.

Priest Munther Isaac sits next to the image of Jesus being born amid a pile of rubble at the Church of the Nativity (Photo: Washington Post).

Catholic clergy here also made similar statements, criticizing world leaders for failing to protect innocent people.

Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Nativity Lutheran Church, stands next to the decorative scene of Jesus’ birth in his chapel.

Mr. Rami Asakrieh is the priest of St. Catherine’s Church, where Midnight Mass will be celebrated.

According to him, it is impossible to celebrate when so many people, on both sides, have lost and suffered.