Bethlehem Lights Christmas Tree Despite Ongoing Conflict in the Region

Bethlehem lights its Christmas tree after a two-year pause due to war. On Saturday evening, the Christmas tree was lit in Manger Square in the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, signaling the start of the Christmas celebrations, amidst a large official, religious and diplomatic presence, and a large public participation from the people of the governorate and visitors from all over the world. Under the slogan: “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (60:1), the tree lighting ceremony began with the entry of the official procession, followed by the announcement of the start of the activities, while the Palestinian Scout Group presented national songs, followed by a minute of silence for the souls of the martyrs of Palestine. The conflict is still ongoing in the region, the authorities announced that the number of deaths has reached 70,100. They also said 354 people, including about 2 children per day, have died since the "ceasefire" went into effect on October 10.

VIDEO of Gaza's Catholic Church from Dec. 6 with loud bombs shaking the parish posted by Vatican Media (PT) on X:

. The tree lighting ceremony included messages of congratulations and solidarity from international figures and institutions that are partners with Bethlehem in cultural and development projects, affirming their support for the city during the holiday season and their pride in the spiritual status it holds before the world . In his speech, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Qanawati affirmed that the city of the Nativity, from which the message of peace was launched more than two thousand years ago, still carries its original message despite the wounds, stressing that lighting the tree this year represents hope and determination, and that the message of Bethlehem will remain a beacon of love and human dignity . For his part, Ramzi Khoury, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, conveyed in his speech the congratulations of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the occasion of Christmas, and said that lighting the tree this year carries a special significance, and reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to live on their land in freedom, security and dignity.

Source: Abouna.org