Christmas in the Holy Land is once again overshadowed by politics

Christmas in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth has, once again, been overshadowed by politics. The latest controversy surrounds Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The mayors of Bethlehem and Nazareth responded to Trump by toning down Christmas celebrations in a show of solidarity. Outside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, the lights on the giant municipal Christmas tree were briefly dimmed in the run-up to Christmas in protest. In Nazareth, a traditional Christmas singing and dancing event was called off as a result of Trump’s remarks.

In Jerusalem, the celebrations are also muted. There is little sign of Christmas events in the historic Old City, where Christ once walked the streets. This year, with the exception of some diminutive plastic Christmas trees on display, there seems to be a dearth of cheer in the city. The same is true in Ramallah, where most Palestinian government offices are located. A few token red stars and plastic half-wreaths are tied to lampposts.