Christmas in Bethlehem: Celebrations may be limited due to coronavirus
Christmas celebrations in the biblical town known as Jesus' birthplace are generally attended by thousands of people from across the globe.
By ABIGAIL ADLERPalestinians light Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, November 30, 2019(photo credit: REUTERS/MUSSA QAWASMA)
Due to an increase in Bethlehem's coronavirus cases, the head of the city's health directorate, Dr. Shadi Al-Lahham, has called for a cancellation of Christmas celebrations, according to Haaretz.Christmas celebrations in the biblical town known as Jesus' birthplace are generally attended by thousands of people from across the globe, Haaretz reports.This year, however, the Palestinian Health Ministry suggests limiting the Manger Square lighting ceremony to 50 people and shutting down the tree's lights and the restaurants in the area by 9 p.m. throughout the holiday season, WNBG.com reports. In addition, the ministry recommends limiting attendance at religious services on Christmas Eve.This would mean another blow to Bethlehem's economy, which relies heavily on tourism during the Christmas season, and which has already been significantly impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
