Bethlehem: Christmas lights return after three years of darkness

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Thousands of Palestinian Christians and Muslims gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square, in front of the Church of the Nativity on Saturday night, for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony - the first one in three years. There were hymns and prayers for peace in the two hour ceremony.

Bethlehem, and the entire West Bank has suffered a severe economic crisis in recent years - the lack of tourists and pilgrims during the Covid pandemic and then the severe restrictions imposed by Israel more recently, forced many established shops and hotels to close.

The city is hoping that the return of the Christmas lights will signal to the world that Bethlehem is once again open for business.

LINKS

Watch Al Jazeera's report on MSN: www.msn.com/en-in/society-culture-and-history/holidays-and-festivals/christmas-in-bethlehem-city-lights-up-tree-for-first-time-in-two-years/vi-AA1RQOcd

For more information about Bethlehem see: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/bethlehem