Pilgrims Visit Bethlehem on Christmas Eve BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 24, 2004 (Zenit.org)

BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 25, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Several thousand pilgrims flocked to the traditional birthplace of Jesus on Christmas Eve -- crowds that were bigger than in the past few years.

Christian worshippers made their way to Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, on Friday. Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem celebrated Midnight Mass in the adjacent St. Catherine's Church. Hundreds of people packed the church, the Associated Press reported.

With interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and other dignitaries in attendance, Patriarch Sabbah called on Israelis and Palestinians to put the violence of the past behind them, AP said.

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Palestinian Leaders Allowed Into Bethlehem BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 24, 2004 (Zenit.org)

BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 24, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Hundreds of pilgrims and a new Palestinian leadership came to Bethlehem for Christmas as the town of Jesus' birth celebrated the festival with hopes for peace following Yasser Arafat's passing.

Israel had barred Arafat, who died last month, from Midnight Mass in Bethlehem during Christmases past, accusing him of fomenting bloodshed -- allegations he always denied.

Reuters said that Israel allowed Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie into the West Bank town.

At Bethlehem's Paradise Hotel, owner George Abu Aita said occupancy was 20% for Christmas. "It's better than last year,'' he said.

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Christmas, peace in the Holy Land, peace on earth by Pietro Sambi , For the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem, the birth of Christ and the faith of Christians and pilgrims are a source of optimism and peace. Tentative steps towards dialogue between Israel and Palestine and the attention of the world and the Church are signs of hope. , 23 December, 2004 ISRAEL – PALESTINE – VATICAN, Jerusalem (AsiaNews)

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – As Christmas approaches Christians ask themselves: Am I an optimist or a pessimist? The answer is found in a prayer in the season’s liturgy: “Lord, we feel unworthy servants of Thee and sadly feel all the evil that makes our life empty. Give us however the joy of the birth of Your Son who came to save us”,

The first part of this prayer speaks to what lies behind our pessimism; the second highlights the reasons for our optimism.

At no other time of the year and in other place but in Bethlehem can one feel so close to God. Born like me, flesh like me, he travels with me in my life.

Loneliness ends as we kneel in faith and love before the Child in Bethlehem. Emmanuel—God with us—and who shall be against us? Our sense of emptiness ends because when we are with God we have everything. Our sense of desperation ends because when we know God is beside us we become uncommonly strong and courageous.

My wish for all Christians in the world and all people of good will is that they may simply and humbly recognise the presence of God, see His face and experience the Christian sense of life.

Although in Israel and Palestine, optimism and pessimism take turns, I believe we need the former for pessimism makes you throw up your arms and become passive as your creativity wilts. Optimism, by contrast, allows you to escape the prison of the moment for it knows how to plant a seed on the other side of the divide, a seed that will grow into a better tomorrow.

There are signs of optimism in the Holy Land, signs of good will and peace. A new page has been turned that only waits to be written.

I have always said that the key to peace in many parts of the world are found in Jerusalem. Peace in the Holy Land means peace elsewhere. As the Pope said: “Peace is possible. It is not an option, it is a duty”.

There may be signs of peace but they are not yet legion. The wall is still being built and people are still dying. Hence, we need deeds that counter the current situation. But the first signs are there, visible in the small steps taken by Israeli and Palestinian authorities, expressions of a will for peace.

Many world leaders in recent days have said that they will commit themselves to bring peace to the Holy Land. More and more people are conscious that peace here means peace elsewhere.

In conflict that has lasted too long, Christians are both victims and bearers of hope. They may be just 2 per cent of the people who call the Holy Land home, but witness is not measured in quantity but in the quality of the signs given, and Christians are a sign of reconciliation. And this sign will be as strong as the tie that binds Christians around the world to Christians living across the Holy Land.

Reconciliation is also measured by the number of pilgrims who walk the streets of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth in the footsteps of Jesus, praying without hatred in their eyes, friendship towards Jews and Palestinians in their heart.

Walking in the land of Jesus, Christian pilgrims personally reconcile with God. In so doing, they are a sign of reconciliation in the Holy Land.

Christian Leaders of Jerusalem See Reason for Hope But Lament That Bethlehem Seems a "Big Prison" JERUSALEM, DEC. 23, 2004 (Zenit.org)

JERUSALEM, DEC. 23, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The patriarchs and heads of the Christian churches in Jerusalem believe that there are "small signs of hope" despite the violence in the Holy Land.

"We go to Bethlehem to adore the mystery of Christmas, despite the grave difficulties our people are still experiencing, together with the recent death of the President Yasser Arafat," affirmed the Christian leaders in their Christmas message.

"Our lived reality is still indeed a feeling of despair and hopelessness together with a dramatic rise in unemployment and poverty," they added. "Justice and peace are still away.

"Blood is shed and political prisoners are detained in their prisons. The two peoples of this Holy Land are still in quest of peace and justice, searching how to put an end to hostility, bloodshed and killings in Palestine and Israel, not least in Bethlehem itself, the city of peace toward which all Christians in the world turn their eyes in these days."

"Nevertheless, there are in these days small signs of hope: promises that soon some political prisoners will be released by the Israelis and hopes of renewed efforts by all sides to resume the peace talks," the Christian leaders stated.

The patriarchs and the heads of the churches of Jerusalem suggested that the Christians of the Holy Land should ask themselves if "especially in these days and in this Holy Land, amid oppressions and humiliations imposed on so many, if we truly welcome Christ into our lives and if we are true witnesses to him and if the others see through our witnessing in our daily life Jesus the Savior and the Prince of Peace and the dignity he gave to all men and women."

And the religious leaders wrote to all "Christian brothers and sisters," to "offer our sincere thanks for all your prayers, solidarity, and for your love to this Holy Land and to all its inhabitants."

"We express our thanks and joy for the coming back of the pilgrims and look for very many more. The churches in the world are called to remember that the Holy Land is the land of the roots of all Christians," they said.

"The future of Bethlehem itself needs a special attention," the letter affirmed. "Doubtless you will sing time-honored carols about 'The Little Town of Bethlehem.' This little town today needs a special support in order to remain the town of peace, where faithful believing in Jesus the Savior and the Prince of Peace can remain.

"In these days, just before Christmas, it is being transformed into a big prison with the continuation of the 'Wall' around it.

"Many Christian families have already left the Bethlehem area because of the hardships they have experienced not least from the building of the 'separation wall,' and the incredible structure at the entrance to the city. All these works have also meant many Christian families have had their land confiscated from them."

Israeli Christians Get OK to Spend Christmas in Bethlehem BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 22, 2004 (ZENIT.org)

BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 22, 2004 (ZENIT.org).- The Israeli government announced that it would not prevent Israeli Christians from visiting Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations.

The decision is an easing of the law that banned Israeli citizens from entering areas under full Palestinian control, the so-called Area A under the Oslo agreements.

The ban was imposed to guarantee the safety of Israeli citizens after several Israelis were killed or "horribly lynched" in such areas, reported AsiaNews.

Rawhi Fattuh, interim president of the Palestinian National Authority, announced to Church officials that he wants to attend Midnight Mass at St. Catherine's Church, the Franciscan parish church adjoining the Basilica of the Nativity.

It was Yasser Arafat who, after the Oslo accords, began the tradition of attending Midnight Mass.

However, after the Israelis confined him to Ramallah, his seat would remain empty. This year, if sources are right, the seat will no longer be empty.

The Custody of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, confirmed today on Vatican Radio that Rahwi Fattuh will be present in the Basilica of the Nativity, as will be the president of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the principal candidate in the upcoming elections, Mahmud Abbas, and his colleague Ahmed Querea.

The priest said: "They are welcome, as the civil authorities are always welcomed, because we ought to accept that Midnight Mass is also a civil event."

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ISRAEL – PALESTINE Days that seem to announce peace, says Patriarch Michael Sabbah 21 December, 2004, Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies)

Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – In his traditional Christmas message Mgr Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, writes that this year the anniversary of Christ’s birth seems to be announcing “days of peace”. We must hope that “political leaders are courageous enough to sign a just and final peace, one that demands painful, yet indispensable personal and collective sacrifices”.

Four years of violence, he writes, should have taught us all that violence does not pay.

After all this time, “Israelis are still searching for security and Palestinians have not stopped demanding an end to occupation to be free and independent. Yet the two peoples are bound to live together in peace. We believe this is possible.”

“The separating wall,” Patriarch Sabbah adds, “can neither separate nor protect. It can only increase mutual hatred and ignorance; it can only be the object of hostility and violence and cause greater insecurity.” It is wishful thinking on Israel’s part to think that it can bring secure borders.

These days, religious leaders, the Patriarch says, have a double duty. They must “insist on justice, human dignity, security and an end to the occupation as well as show the path to peace.”

“Israelis are not condemned to live in permanent insecurity and war. Palestinians, too, are not condemned to always demand an end to the occupation and walk forever the paths of death”.

ISRAEL – PALESTINE Israeli Christians to visit Bethlehem this Christmas, Interim Palestinian President wants to attend Midnight Mass in Bethlehem. 17 December, 2004, Jerusalem (AsiaNews)

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Signs of thaw in the Holy Land after the Israeli government announced that it would not prevent Israeli Christians from visiting Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations. The decision is a derogation of the law that banned Israeli citizens from entering areas under full Palestinian control—the so-called Areas ‘A’ under the Oslo agreements.

The ban was imposed to guarantee the safety of Israeli citizens after several Israelis were killed or ‘horribly lynched’ in such areas.

Good news are not coming from Israel only; informed sources say that interim Palestinian National Authority President Rawhi Fattuh told Church officials that he wants to attend Midnight Mass at St. Catherine’s Church, the Franciscan parish church adjoining the Basilica of the Nativity.

In the past, no head of government from neighbouring countries had made such a request. They might visit, welcomed with courtesy by the religious, but they would never stop for the liturgy.

Yasser Arafat started the tradition of attending Midnight Mass. However, after the Israelis confined him to Ramallah, his seat would remain empty. Every year, local TV would show the seat reserved for the old President, empty.

This year, if sources are right, the seat will no longer be empty.

Bethlehem facing a quiet Christmas 14 December, 2004 PALESTINE Somber Christmas in Bethlehem after Arafat's death, Bethlehem (AsiaNews/Agencies)

Bethlehem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Arafat’s death and the difficult situation Bethlehem Christians face—caught between Israeli repression and Islamist pressure—mean that Christmas celebrations in Christ’s birthplace will be toned down, with fewer lights and decorations, this according to Hanna Nasser, Bethlehem’s Christian Mayor, who spoke during a press conference.

Unlike previous years, the Judean city will celebrate Christmas without much fanfare. Scouts and majorettes won’t parade. Out of respect for the late Yasser Arafat, Christmas lights will sparkle only in Manger Square; the rest of the city will not be decorated.

Local Church sources told AsiaNews that, unlike pre-Intifada days when the holiday season was chaotic and had a circus-like ambiance, this year’s more sober atmosphere will enable Bethlemites to focus on the religious aspects of Christmas.

In preparation of Christmas, the solemn Novena will start tomorrow. Mass will start every day at 4:30 pm and will include a period to reflect.

In his press conference, in reference to the conditions under which Palestinians live Mayor Nasser said that “living under occupation is certainly the most painful experience a man can face”.

Local sources told AsiaNews that in the last few days there have been signs that movement between Bethlehem and Jerusalem has become easier. There are fewer check points, lines are smaller and Palestinians can more easily get passes to enter Israel to work.

Still, things are hard. Mr Nasser appealed to Christians all over the world to come. “Imagine the city of Bethlehem with no Christians,” he said.

Some 2,400 Christians out of a total of some 40,000 living in Bethlehem and surrounding areas have left since the start of the second intifada in 2000.

“If we don't have a quick breakthrough in the peace process more are going to leave,” he insisted. (LF)

Christmas lights will sparkle only in Manger Square; the rest of the city will not be decorated. Local Church sources told AsiaNews that this year’s more sober atmosphere will enable Bethlemites to focus on the religious aspects of Christmas.

Still, things are hard. Mayor Nasser appealed to Christians all over the world to visit, noting that since the second intifada began in 2000, the city of Bethlehem has lost 6 percent of its Christian population. “Imagine the city of Bethlehem with no Christians,” he said.

Bethlehem facing a quiet Christmas Dec. 15, 2004 (AsiaNews)

The death of Yasser Arafat and the difficult situation Christians face—caught between Israeli repression and Islamist pressure—mean that Christmas celebrations in Christ’s birthplace will be toned down, with fewer lights and decorations, according to Hanna Nasser, Bethlehem’s Christian Mayor.

Christmas lights will sparkle only in Manger Square; the rest of the city will not be decorated. Local Church sources told AsiaNews that this year’s more sober atmosphere will enable Bethlemites to focus on the religious aspects of Christmas.

Still, things are hard. Mayor Nasser appealed to Christians all over the world to visit, noting that since the second intifada began in 2000, the city of Bethlehem has lost 6 percent of its Christian population. “Imagine the city of Bethlehem with no Christians,” he said.

Advent in Bethlehem: nervous but hopeful Bethlehem, Dec. 01 (AsiaNews)

Bethlehem, Dec. 01 (AsiaNews) - Expectations are high as the people of Bethlehem prepare for Christmas, the AsiaNews service reports.

The death of Yasser Arafat, and the emergence of Mahmoud Abbas as the Palestinian leader, has Palestinians hoping for an end to long years of violence. Using the new leader's popular name, Bethlehem merchant Nasser Allawi said, "I hope Abu Mazen can reopen doors to the world for us, help us breathe again."

Residents of Bethlehem were cheered by a meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian tourism ministers, who agreed to promote Christian pilgrimages. Now the townspeople are hoping that Abbas, a Muslim, will follow Arafat's example by attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem-- a gesture that would signal to Christians in other lands that it is safe to visit the Holy Land. [For a more detailed story see the AsiaNews web site.]