Bethlehem hosts Christmas with celebrations

Christmas celebrations have begun in the West Coast city of Betlehesh, organised by the Palestinian Authority.

It was a joyful beginning of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, and young boys and girls held a colorful march through the square to a giant Christmas tree in front of the Church of the East of Christ.

The parade ran near a large plaque reading “Pray for freedom of Palestine”, in the presence of local residents and tourists. Pilgrims from around the world had come to visit the Guva of the East of Christ.

Turnout was higher than last year when the riots kept many visitors away. The Palestinians staged protests after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman told Voice of America that Jerusalem must be the capital of the Palestinian state.

“With what he did, Trump lost his position as impartial mediator. I don't think there is any chance with his policies in the Middle East for peace to triumph or for the peace process to be activated again”, he said.

Yet in this small city of the West Coast, hope is eternal.

<x)

In the Holy Land, religion and politics are always close together. /voa