Bethlehem, 23 Dec (LaPresse/AP) – Bethlehem is preparing to spend its second Christmas in the shadow of war. It will once again be a sombre Christmas in the birthplace of Jesus, which is located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. No public Christmas tree in Manger Square, no decorations or twinkling lights as it had been in previous years before the war, as a sign of respect for the fact that the war is ongoing. Manger Square is empty of tourists and many businesses are not sure they can hold out much longer. With unemployment at 50 per cent, caused by the lack of tourism and Israel's decision to prevent most Palestinians from working in Israel, hundreds of desperate families have left Bethlehem over the past year. Some families are trying to find joy in the old traditions wherever they can.
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