Christmas in the Holy Land: A Challenging Season for US Palestinians and Bethlehem Christians

Palestinian Americans, like many Palestinian Christians, are not celebrating Christmas this year due to the ongoing violence in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 18,600, leaving many feeling a sense of guilt and anguish. Even in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, celebrations have been muted, with dimmed decorations and quiet streets. Palestinian Christians have long used Christmas as a time to protest the Israeli occupation, drawing on the history and imagery of Jesus. Despite the pain, some Palestinian Americans are still observing Christmas as a time for faith, family, and giving. However, there is anger and sadness over the continued violence and the support that some segments of the Christian political movement in the US, particularly evangelicals, give to Israel.