Tiny, war-torn town not in a festive mood
By Ibrahim Hazboun
Associated Press
BETHLEHEM, West Bank — A white stone monument rises from Manger Square, dedicated to a 17-year-old Palestinian killed by Israeli weapons fire.
Associated Press
Nativity Street, a mile long, is lined with a gutted five-story hotel, piles of rubble from shops knocked down by bulldozers and buildings with bullet-pocked facades. They're all reminders of Israel's 10-day occupation in October.
Islamic posters are sold alongside Christian items such as this statue of Jesus at Bethlehem souvenir shops. However, few tourists are visiting the town and most residents can't afford much beyond necessities.
Few in Bethlehem, a town of 14,000 Muslims and 13,000 Christians on the West Bank, are in the mood to celebrate. During the Christmas season, the town will remain dark.
Only Manger Square's traditional Christmas tree will bear some ornaments. Some Christian observances — Midnight Mass, choir concerts, processions of clergy — will go ahead.
Only a few tourists have come to Bethlehem. Many are scared to visit; those who do are often deterred by the Israeli checkpoints ringing the town.
Palestinian Tourism Minister Mitri Abu Aita said Bethlehem has lost $25 million a month. He has asked Israel's Defense Ministry to allow tourists into Bethlehem during the Christmas season. He also urged visitors to come to Bethlehem. "We will guarantee their safety," he said.
