BETHLEHEM: The biblical city of Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, was preparing Monday to welcome pilgrims from around the world to celebrate Christmas in the Holy Land.
The “little town” in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is planning festivities in and around the Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was born.
On Monday afternoon, hundreds of tourists and locals gathered in the square outside the church, where a 15-meter (50-foot) Christmas tree had been erected.
Children dressed as Santa Claus played while workers made final preparations to speakers and televisions, as Christmas music filled the square.
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the most senior Roman Catholic official in the Middle East, was due to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Tuesday morning.
He will lead midnight mass in the Church of the Nativity, with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas expected to attend.
The first church was built on the site in the fourth century, though it was replaced after a fire in the sixth century.
Bethlehem is close to Jerusalem, but cut off from the holy city by Israel’s separation barrier.
Fewer Christians from the Gaza Strip will attend the ceremony than in previous years, as Israel granted permits to just around 200 of the some 900 people who applied, said Wadie Abunassar, an adviser to church leaders in the Holy Land.
The Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza are separated by Israeli territory and crossing between them requires hard-to-get permits.
Abunassar said Christmas remained a time for hope.
“The Holy Land is not only the site of the birth and crucifixion (of Jesus), it is also the place of resurrection,” he told AFP.
“Despite all challenges, difficulties, pain and problems we are facing, we keep the hope in God and people.”
Bethlehem welcomes pilgrims for Christmas celebrations
https://arab.news/2p6ht
Bethlehem welcomes pilgrims for Christmas celebrations
- The “little town” in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is planning festivities in and around the Church of the Nativity
- Bethlehem is close to Jerusalem, but cut off from the holy city by Israel’s separation barrier
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles through running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization providing healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global Sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual Sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of January 3, his fundraiser had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 target.
The war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that children have been among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution toward saving lives.
