Holy Land Cancels Christmas Festivities
Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank known for its annual Christmas display attracting Christian pilgrims, has canceled its festivities this year in solidarity with the people of Gaza amid ongoing violence. The city, highly dependent on tourism, will only allow religious ceremonies, with no tree or lighting installations. Christian churches in Jerusalem have also requested their congregations to forgo festivities and focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas while advocating and donating to relief efforts.