Coronavirus dampens Christmas joy in Bethlehem and elsewhere
Thousands of foreign pilgrims usually flock to Bethlehem for the celebrations. But the closure of Israel’s international airport to visitors kept tourists away. Author: JOSEF FEDERMAN and JALAL HASSAN Associated Press Published: 7:49 AM EST December 24, 2020 Updated: 6:32 AM EST December 25, 2020
Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Similar subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether.
“Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls,” said Mayor Anton Salman. “Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to corona and due to the lack of tourism, the city of Bethlehem is still looking forward to the future with optimism.”
By Press Association 2021
A Palestinian National security unit is deployed at Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, ahead of Christmas, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem (Nasser Nasser/AP)
Bethlehem ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land.
However, few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Officials tried to make the most out of a bad situation.