Amidst Indiscriminate Bombing, Famine, Gazans 'Bake Hopes' For Christmas (image @MuntherIsaac)
Gaza, Palestine: It may not sound off-track to call Palestine the capital of Christmas. Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem and Gaza once used to celebrate Christmas in all its glory. The ancient biblical towns of Bethlehem would be swarmed with natives and visitors all across the globe alike, bathing in the joys of celebrations. This is the second consecutive year Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus, cancelling out all the celebrations, due to Israel’s indiscriminate bombing against the Palestinians.
Out of 2,300,000 citizens of Gaza, 1,000 – 1,300 were Christians. The tiny coastal enclave had two of the oldest churches of Palestine, the Greek Orthodox Church and the Latin monastery. It used to be filled with joyous decorations, and Gazans loved to celebrate. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem will also visit the churches of Gaza during the Christmas holidays.
The more than a year Israel-Gaza war has sucked out all the happiness and joy to celebrate any festival. Gaza Christians attended mass service on Christmas-eve hoping that the war will end soon. There are no celebrations. There is nothing to celebrate.
Also Read: “The Bells Of Bethlehem Ring For Ceasefire In Gaza”
Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank is empty. No lights, no decorations, no gifts, and and no celebrations. The giant Christmas tree in front of the Nativity Church – which is built over the spot believed to be where Jesus was born – is also not in the frame this year.
Public celebration of Christmas is cancelled out for yet another year due to Israel’s war on Gaza. The Palestinians Christians only attend religious ceremonies and family gatherings. At the Nativity church, the baby Jesus was shown lying in a pile of rubbles.
In a speech delivered to those gathered in Manger Square, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa underscored the importance of Christmas as a celebration of the light brought by Jesus Christ. “We Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who brings His light into our lives. With Him, we are everything; without Him, we are nothing,” he said.
Also Read: Israel Continue To Kill Gazans As Ceasefire Talks Intensifies
Speaking of what he saw in Gaza during his visit, he said he witnessed widespread devastation and extreme poverty. He also praised the resilience of the people, urging them not to give in to despair.
However, the Palestinians continue to live up to their reputation. Despite being displaced numerous times, and the constant sounds of bombing, Gazans prepare Christmas cookies for children.
Baking or any forms of celebrations are difficult in Gaza due to the shortage of basic necessities include water. Some parts of Gaza are in famine. The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) has warned that a famine is likely unfolding in besieged northern Gaza, including in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoon, as Israel continues its near-total blockade of humanitarian and commercial food supplies to the region, as reported by Al Jazeera.
