Christian Palestinians in the US are muting their holiday celebrations as they mourn the ongoing suffering in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 18,600, leaving many Palestinian Christians and activists in the United States struggling to find joy during the holiday season. As the war in Gaza rages on, Palestinian Americans are taking cues from Palestine, where Christmas celebrations have been canceled to honor the dead and protest Israeli violence. Even Bethlehem, considered the birthplace of Jesus, has seen quiet streets and dimmed decorations, reflecting the destruction in Gaza.
The Lutheran Church in Bethlehem has displayed a nativity scene that depicts Jesus as a child born amidst the rubble, symbolizing the ongoing Israeli shelling. Across the United States, Palestinian and Arab Americans are feeling the anguish and pain of their homeland’s suffering, leading to muted Christmas celebrations. For many, it feels incongruent to celebrate while their family, friends, and countrymen endure a genocide. The Palestinian identity remains united, with Christians and Muslims standing together in their fight for liberation.
Despite the pain, some Palestinian Americans, like activist Lexis Zeidan, are continuing to observe Christmas with a focus on faith and family. Zeidan emphasizes the importance of caring for others and reigniting the spirit of love for neighbors. However, the continued violence in Gaza has left her feeling angry and sad. She questions why leaders are not putting a stop to the bloodshed and criticizes elected officials who prioritize political power over human life.
The Christian political movement in the US, particularly those who follow the evangelical faith, often support Israel for religious reasons. Some interpret the present-day conflict as fulfilling biblical prophecies. However, many Palestinian Christians, like Zeidan, reject this theological interpretation, stating that it goes against basic Christian principles of love and non-violence. They argue that the actions of the Israeli government contradict the teachings of Jesus.
Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American human rights lawyer, emphasizes that the suffering in Palestine affects both Christians and Muslims alike. She rejects the use of religion to justify injustices against Palestinians, stating that it goes against the true teachings of Christianity. Arraf’s 9-year-old daughter, Mayaar, even chimed in during the interview, reminding everyone that peace on earth means peace in Palestine.
As the holiday season unfolds, Palestinian Christians in the United States continue to grapple with the ongoing violence and oppression in Gaza. Their muted celebrations serve as a reminder of the urgent need for peace and justice in the region.
