Christmas Celebrations Canceled in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jordan Amid Gaza Conflict

In response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Christian leaders and municipal authorities in Bethlehem, West Bank, have decided to cancel all public Christmas celebrations. For the first time since modern festivities began, the birthplace of Jesus will not adorn the Manger Square tree. This decision reflects a broader trend of suspending festive activities across the Holy Land, as communities grapple with the humanitarian crisis and loss of life.

One week prior, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem urged Christians to avoid unnecessary festive celebrations, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Similarly, Catholic churches in Galilee and the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land joined in calling for restraint. Pastor Munir Kakish, president of the Council of Local Evangelical Churches, stated that the decision was made “due to the thousands killed—and in prayer for peace,” with the focus shifting to traditional services and devotionals centered on the meaning of Christmas.

The initiative originated in Jordan, home to the world’s largest concentration of Palestinian refugees, many of whom have become citizens. On November 2, the Jordan Council of Church Leaders (JCCL) announced the cancellation of Christmas celebrations. Christmas is a public holiday in Jordan, typically marked by festive decorations and events, but congregations will now forgo public tree-lighting, Christmas markets, scout parades, and gift distribution to children.

Ibrahim Dabbour, general secretary of the JCCL and a Greek Orthodox priest, expressed the community’s emotional state, stating, “In our homes we can celebrate, but in our hearts we are suffering. How can we decorate a Christmas tree?” The JCCL’s formal declaration honored the “innocent victims” and condemned the “barbaric acts” of the Israeli military, acknowledging the “difficult time” in both Gaza and all Palestine, including the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

Dabbour, whose parents were refugees from the now-Israeli cities of Ramla and Jaffa in the 1948 war, was born in Amman and serves as chairman of the Jordan Bible Society. He drew a parallel between the current conflict and the historical displacement of Palestinians, advocating for dialogue over violence. The JCCL, representing 130,000 Christians in the Hashemite kingdom, aims to foster peace and address the suffering of the community through its actions.

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