Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, has announced that it will not hold its usual Christmas festivities as a gesture of solidarity with Gaza. The decision has sparked controversy and criticism, with some arguing that it is a political statement overshadowing the sacredness of the holiday.
The announcement came after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., faced backlash for a social media post in which she tried to draw a parallel between Jesus and the Palestinian people while criticizing Israel. Ocasio-Cortez failed to mention Hamas or acknowledge the Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group. Her comments were met with criticism from pro-Israel activists and political reporter Jacob Kornbluh.
In November, Ocasio-Cortez joined 23 Democrats in requesting details from President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about their plans to de-escalate the violence in the region. The letter condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel and expressed concerns about the Israeli response, citing high casualty numbers provided by Hamas.
The decision by Bethlehem to forgo Christmas celebrations and remove decorations has been viewed as a symbolic act honoring the victims of the ongoing conflict. However, critics argue that it is inappropriate to politicize a religious holiday and that the focus should be on the sacredness of the occasion.
Theologian Jonathan Morris expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that it amounts to a political statement overshadowing the significance of Christmas for Christians in Bethlehem. A spokesperson for the Bethlehem city council defended the decision, stating that celebrating while the conflict continues would not be appropriate.
The cancellation of Christmas festivities in Bethlehem highlights the deep divisions and tensions in the region. It raises questions about the intersection of politics and religion and the challenges faced by communities caught in the midst of conflict. The decision also underscores the ongoing violence and the urgent need for de-escalation and peace in the region.
As the world watches the Israel-Hamas conflict unfold, the cancellation of Christmas in Bethlehem serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on communities, traditions, and religious practices. It calls for reflection and renewed efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
