days have passed Christmas progressed and reached Belen. A festive mood is felt in the narrow streets filled with lights, but above all in the traders smiling expectantly when the feast comes. tour groups. After two years of pandemic restrictions, Belén can finally celebrate the Christmas holidays among neighbors and strangers. Thousands of people come to the holy place ChristianityThe place where Jesus is believed to have been born to celebrate life. what is that Deadliest year in Palestinian territorieshas stopped them with more than 165 deaths so far this year. Pilgrims return to Bethlehem to experience the miracle of Christmas.
It’s hard to find rooms in Bethlehem these days. Everything seems to be back to normal. Hotels are full, souvenirs are sold out, and people are once again lining up to touch the exact spot in the cave of the Church of the Nativity with their hands. baby jesus born. To search for the perfect selfie, arms are extended and carpenters They can’t keep up with the demands for nativity scenes, olive wood crosses and other souvenirs made to fit the payer. A giant christmas tree He heads the Manger Square. Hundreds of people walk on the historic cobblestones that María and José one day stepped on 2,000 years ago. The crowd does not prevent pilgrims from feeling the air. weight of history every step of the way and especially during these holidays.
ghost town
Bethlehem was a ghost town for two years. No tourists due to restrictions Due to the pandemic, the city’s economy has plummeted. Tourism is Bethlehem’s main industry. 25% of its active population directly or indirectly working in this sector. represents for the city 65% 11 percent of the economy of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Next to you PA economic crisis further orphaned the hospitality of the holy city. Israeli hotels were compensated by the Hebrew authorities, while Palestinian tourism workers barely received NIS 700. 200 eurosby Ramallah.
“We expect 2023 to be booming and business will be great because everyone, especially Christian religious tourists, They want to return to the Holy Land“, counted İlyas ArjaThe director of the Bethlehem hotel association told the Associated Press. Most international tourists arrive via Israel, as Palestinians do not have their own airport. The Ministry of Tourism has announced that there are some expectations. 120,000 Christian visitors during the Christmas week. They hit an all-time high with 150,000 travelers in 2019. The ministry plans to offer private free shuttle buses, as it has done at other times. Between Jerusalem and Bethlehem To help visitors come and go on Christmas Eve.
More than 165 Palestinians were killed
This 15,000 people Those who recently participated in the lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem were the first sign of a return to normalcy in the holy city. Although the arrival of foreign tourists in the Palestinian territories is welcomed, not all citizens will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Israeli authorities, denied entry permits to the West Bank 200 Christian citizens of Gaza, for security reasons. Of the 1,500 Christian Palestinians living in Sheridi, 800 had requested to visit and spend time in their holy city. spending time with relatives On these specific dates, however, Israel denied it.
Added context to this fiasco widespread violence That the Palestinians have suffered throughout this year. Israeli military attacks and conflicts With the Hebrew Army, he killed at least 165 Palestinians and 31 Israelis. It’s 2022 already the world’s deadliest year last three decades. Bethlehem was also the scene of the conflict earlier in the month when Israeli soldiers killed a teenager in a refugee camp. deheishe. The Palestinians protested with a strike, but tense conditions did not stop before Christmas. And Belén is finally celebrating.