BETHLEHEM, December 17, 2006 (WAFA)-The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in St Ives has cancelled its annual 'Live Crib' event in protest against the Israeli Apartheid Wall being built around the holy city of Bethlehem.

In a statement, Bethlehem University said that Father Paul, friend of Bethlehem University, showed confidence that people of St Ives will want to express their support for the people of the Holy Land at Christmas.

"The lives of the ordinary citizens of Bethlehem have been devastated by the building of the wall. It affects every aspect of their lives, friends and family are separated, earning a living becomes more and more difficult, access to health care is severely restricted all in the town of Bethlehem that we sing about at this time of the year. If we can provide them with a few extra basic provisions and give them a little financial support, we can help make their lives more bearable," Paul said.

In place of crib, there will be erected a life-size replica portion of the Israeli concrete blockade that is causing untold suffering to the ordinary citizens of the city. The wall will stand as a symbol of the plight of these 'abandoned' people, according to the statement.

This year, the Church of the Sacred Heart will allocate all the donations and offerings it receives from its friends and supporters, to the different organisations and institutions in the city of Bethlehem.

M.H.(12:25 P)(10:25 GMT)