Christian Families Flee Bethlehem Ahead Of Christmas
A new report detailed why many residents are attempting to leave Bethlehem ahead of Christmas.
Bethlehem is best known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, but the West Bank-based city is now deserted, with many Christian families looking to escape, according to Newsmax. “The emigration out of Bethlehem is increasing daily and monthly and … this has a negative impact on the city,” Nativity Church minister Issa Thaljieh told the outlet.
As the war rages on across the Gaza region, “it is difficult to show any signs of joy or happiness,” Thaljieh added. Manger Square, in front of the Church of the Nativity, was said to be deserted, with souvenir shops shuttered ahead of what is supposed to be a holiday season
The number of Christians throughout the Middle East has plummeted for generations. Back when the British ruled the region, in 1947, some 85% of residents in Bethlehem were Christian. By 2017, that number was around 10%.
“Due to the bad living conditions and bad financial conditions, people have started looking for better opportunities for their children, for better education, for a better future,” said resident Alaa Afteem.
He added that there is little security when one travels around cities, towns, and villages across the West Bank. There is fear the war will breach further into the area. Some residents went so far as to tell USA Today in 2023 that Christmas was “cancelled” as a result of the Hamas terror attacks and ongoing violence with Israel.
