‘Mercy’ Designated as Theme of the 2016 Christmas Tree in Bethlehem

bethlehem_christmas_via_memo — Christmas tree in Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. (Photo: via MEMO, file)

The municipality of Bethlehem has decided to choose ‘mercy’ as a theme of the Christmas Tree erected at the Church of Nativity in the city, “since it is what is most needed for the Palestinian people, who are struggling to have their own state and to live in peace.

The city of Bethlehem, being the birthplace of Jesus, holds a special place during Christmas celebrations every year. Thousands of people, both local and international, Muslims and Christians, attend the Christmas Tree Lightening Ceremony every year in front of the Church of Nativity.

Palestinians light up Christmas tree in occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem https://t.co/5UuLK7YtJy pic.twitter.com/eRCMzpzOK0

— The IMEU (@theIMEU) December 5, 2016

The event takes place every year on the first Saturday of December. Vera Baboun, the mayor of Bethlehem noted that the theme of the Christmas Tree this year represents the aspirations of Palestinians.

Hundreds of Palestinians gather outside the Nativity Church in Bethlehem for the lighting of a giant Christmas tree pic.twitter.com/k6ikkQsAPJ

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 6, 2016

The Israeli Separation Wall has strangled the city of Bethlehem and made it difficult for Palestinians to move around the city. Every year, religious tourists face difficulties accessing the city due to the Israeli Wall.

(PNN, PC, Social Media)