Bethlehem celebrates Christmas

[rodeodance]

Source: SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107ap_bethlehem_christmas.html

Last updated December 24, 2007 3:31 p.m. PT
Bethlehem celebrates Christmas

By DALIA NAMMARI
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

The procession to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is seen in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem, Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Gloom was banished from Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem for the first time in years on Monday as Christian pilgrims from all over the world flocked there to celebrate Jesus' birth in an atmosphere of renewed tranquility. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

View related video

BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Encouraged by renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Christian pilgrims from around the world converged on Jesus' traditional birthplace Monday to celebrate Christmas - a palpable contrast to the sparse crowds of recent years.

The diverse mix of people included festive American tourists, clergymen in brown flowing robes and Palestinian scouts wearing kilts and playing bagpipes.

"I'm Catholic. I always wanted to see the beginning of Christianity, the whole history. It's something you grow up with," said Kristin Obeck, a 37-year-old schoolteacher from Richmond, Va.

Despite the festive atmosphere, a heavy police deployment, the presence of Israel's massive separation barrier and unease among Bethlehem's ever-shrinking Christian population served as reminders of the lingering tensions in the region.

In the years following the 1993 Oslo peace accord, Bethlehem attracted tens of thousands of tourists for Christmas. But the number of visitors plummeted after the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in 2000.

Read more: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107ap_bethlehem_christmas.html

[acmavm]

1. What if the Israelis and Palestinians could work out a peace? That would

be quite a Everyholiday present for the world, wouldn't it????

[DesertFlower]

2. that would be wonderful.

unfortunately, i don't see it happening just yet.:(

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

3. ?

[rayofreason]

4. Bethlehem without Christians.

In 1948 Bethlehem was mostly Christian. In the 90's (under the PA) Christians left in droves. Soon there will be no Christians at all.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/23/international/middleeast/23bethlehem.html
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467807655&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.persecution.org/suffering/countryinfodetail.php?countrycode=36

[JeanGrey]

5. Being in Bethlehem for Christmas would be so wonderful!

I only wish...............