Both security and the holiday spirit were in abundance in Bethlehem's Manger Square this Christmas Eve, with a sprinkle of politics in the mix.
By DOV LIEBER A large illuminated Christmas stands high over the crowd in Manger Square, Bethlehem on Christmas eve, which is buttressed by the the Church of Nativity and the Mosque of Omar.(photo credit: DOV LIEBER)
Christmas in Bethlehem this year had a noticeable shadow cast over it from the summer war between Israel and Hamas.
A young boy stands by the main Christmas tree in Manger square, Bethlehem (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)A group of policeman who were part of the very tight security in Bethlehem this year (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)A young boy with "Palestine" painted on his forehead in blue and the Palestinian flag on his cheek, who sold sweets to the pilgrims (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)A Greek Orthodox priest watches pilgrims roam around the ancient church of nativity, where many Christians believe Jesus was born. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Two Palestinian security forces pose for a picture in front of the main Christmas tree in Manger Square, Bethlehem. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)A security guard stands on a rooftop above a sign in Manger Square, Bethelehem, which reads "Merry Christmas" in English and "A glorious Christmas" in Arabic. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Two boys who were selling sweets to pilgrims pose for a picture in Manger Square, Bethlehem. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER) Between the bell tower of the Church of Nativity and the main Christmas in Manger Square, a gaurd keeps watch on the rooftop. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Bethlehem's Muslim majority population was well represented in Manger Square, Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Balloons with popular cartoon figures such as Spongebob and Mickey mouse could be seen floating above the thick crowd in Manger Square, Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Two young men pose for a picture in Manger Square, Bethlehem, as a heart-shaped balloon with Santa Claus rises above them. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER) A large illuminated Christmas stands high over the crowd in Manger Square, Bethlehem on Christmas eve, which is buttressed by the the Church of Nativity and the Mosque of Omar. (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)Girls dressed in traditional Arab festive gear gave the same message of hope from the main stage in Arabic, English, Korean, German, Spanish and Italian (photo credit: DOV LIEBER)
Tour guides complained about the noticeable drop in the amount of tourists who visited the pilgrimage site. Leonardo Sabih (not his real name), an Italian tour guide who searched for groups in the Church of Nativity--where many Christians believe Jesus was born--said this year was the worst since the beginning of his work in 2008. “The reason for this is the media making people believe there is a risk in coming here,” said Sabih, who requested people “come and see for themselves how safe Bethlehem is.”Despite a strong security presence, the atmosphere itself in Bethlehem's center, Manger Square, which is buttressed by the Church of the Nativity and the Mosque of Omar, was brimming with the Christmas spirit. Those who were undeterred by the security situation were treated to a vibrant, colorful and musical experience in Christianity’s most ancient town. A gospel choir performed on a large bright stage, behind which was written Bethlehem’s Christmas wish: “All we want for Christmas is justice.”Girls dressed in traditional Arab festive gear gave the same message of hope from the main stage in Arabic, English, Korean, German, Spanish and Italian.“We are a peaceful city, hoping for a better year next year,” they said. One MC from the night wished the same thing, but with one major addition, “We want a free independent Palestine with Jerusalem as our capital forever.”
