Bethlehem’s Star to Be Dimmed This Year --Uprising Blamed
This Palestinian town where Christ was born is canceling its traditional Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the yearlong revolt against Israeli occupation.
“We don’t see any reason to celebrate Christmas,” Deputy Mayor Hanna Nasser said today. “We have to show concern for our dead and for our detainees.”
More than 300 Palestinians have been killed and 5,000 arrested since the uprising began Dec. 8, 1987, in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Eleven Israelis have been slain.
Nasser said the town government called off all official celebrations, such as the Christmas Eve reception for Israeli and Palestinian dignitaries and the Boy Scout parade. Manger Square, usually decorated with strings of colored lights, will remain dark and its 40-foot Christmas tree will be left bare, he said.
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