BETHLEHEM, December 24, 2016 (WAFA) – Thousands of Palestinians and tourists Saturday gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas holiday bringing life to this city surrounded by Israeli-built concrete wall and military checkpoints.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic spiritual leader in the Holy Land, headed the annual procession that started from the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem and made its way to Manger Square in Bethlehem, passing through a massive metal gate in Israel’s separation wall at the northern entrance of the besieged city.
Pizzaballa was welcomed by priests and representatives of Bethlehem at the Tomb of Rachel before making his way to Manager Square, where he was greeted by Bethlehem Governor Jebrin al-Bakri, Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun among a host of other officials.
The Patriarch was also greeted upon his arrival by scout groups who played their bagpipes as he made a solemn entry into the Basilica of the Nativity and St. Catherine’s Church.
President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to arrive in Bethlehem later Saturday to attend the annual midnight mass.
In contrast to 2015 celebrations that attracted only a fraction of the thousands of tourists, Minister of Tourism Rula Maayah said by the end of 2016, a total of 2,350,000 tourists and pilgrims would have visited Bethlehem.
She added the number of tourist and pilgrims increased by 6% and nights spend in hotels increased by 4.5%.
The Church of the Nativity is administered by three churches, the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church and the Armenian Church. The Orthodox churches will celebrate the feast on January 7.
Living under military occupation, Palestinian Christians have been suffering as a result of Israel’s policies of land seizures, settlement construction, movement restrictions and, for those living in Jerusalem, the revocation of residency identity cards.
Palestinian Christians in Gaza should apply for special permits in order to make their way to the city, but occasionally not all of family members are granted permits.
K.F./M.K.
