Christmas decorations dismantled in city of Jesus’ birth
Bethlehem Municipality announced this month that Christmas decorations were coming down in the city of Jesus’ birth, now a predominately Muslim area of Israel’s West Bank.
“Bethlehem Municipality crews announced the dismantling of Christmas decorations installed several years ago in the city’s neighborhoods and removing all festive appearances in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza,” the municipality wrote on Facebook.
Jerusalem Post reports that a city spokesperson told the Telegraph “The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood.”
“This year the situation in Bethlehem is unprecedented and the mood and vibes are extremely sad, and that is exactly what the world should see, and realize that these are not normal circumstances.
The city is an iconic landmark, as the birthplace of Jesus, however, the Christian population has slowly disintegrated in the city of Bethlehem, in Israel’s West Bank. Faithwire reports, “In 1950, for example, Christians were 80% of the population; now they hover around 10%, and are subject to persecution.”
The city did say religious observances and ceremonies are still allowed.
Photo: BETHLEHEM, OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – DECEMBER 11: A Christmas tree illuminates passers-by in Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Dec 11, 2011. Shutterstock
