Christmas is cancelled: A message from the Palestinian Mission.
This year the message from Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is that Christmas has been cancelled.
The Heads of Churches in the Holy Land announced that the tradition of lighting the tree in manger square and the accompanying celebrations will not take place, in honour of the dead and in solidarity with the ongoing suffering of those trapped in Gaza.
Israel’s bombardment in Gaza has killed almost 20,000 Palestinians, 70 percent of them are women and children and thousands more are understood to be buried under the rubble, emergency crews unable to reach them because of ongoing Israeli attacks.
More than 80 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced and the entire civilian infrastructure has been targeted, schools, hospitals, mosques, churches, bakeries, cemeteries and entire neighbourhoods have been bombed. No where is safe in Gaza anymore.
As we mark the birth of Jesus, we urge you to remember those who are suffering, the dispossessed the besieged and those no longer with us. This Christmas season, please remember the 84-year-old Palestinian Christian music teacher Elham Farah, who was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper and left to die on the pavement and Khaled Nabhan, who kissed the eyes of his beloved granddaughter Reem, 3 years old and killed by an Israeli airstrike on their family home.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the churches that have sent messages of support and courageously spoken out against these crimes. Your commitment to justice and your unwavering support are greatly appreciated during these dark times.
Jesus was born under occupation and oppression, the story of his birth, life, death and resurrection exemplifies the struggle for justice. 2,000 years later, the Palestinian experience is still one of struggle for justice.
For the first time, the tradition of lighting Bethlehem’s tree will not take place. What was once a season of joy has become a season of mourning.
Let us unite, in a spirit of solidarity and justice, and the spirit of Christmas, to ensure that next year, Christmas will be celebrated in a free Palestine, in a free Bethlehem, in a free Jerusalem, and in a free and healing Gaza.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 