Christmas in Jerusalem (1921), Palestine - back before the Nakba, when the three Abrahamic faiths lived side by side in peace in the Holy City.
I don’t want much for Christmas. I just everyone to be healthy, happy , loved and to live in peace.
The world celebrates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem yet Bethlehem itself is denied peace. Muslims celebrate Christmas too ! They believe that Jesus is a prophet of God.
And the Bible was revealed to him as the Torah was revealed to prophet Moses “Peace be upon Him” and the Qur’an was revealed to prophet Mohamad . They love Jesus and love the message that was revealed to him.
Their love as Muslims for Jesus is not a love of interest or coexistence with our christian brothers and sisters, nor a reflection of sectarian or political affairs. It is part of their religion, of their faith, of their life that they have learned from the Qur’an and the Bible.
In the Palestinian Christian town Birzeit-Ramallah the Christmas tree was lit in silence, without any signs of celebration. Palestinian Christians are a fundamental part of Palestinian society and culture inside and outside of Gaza.
Israeli police forcibly dispersed Christmas festivities held by Palestinian Christian citizens of Israel earlier this week, arrested a Palestinian man dressed as Santa Claus and confiscated equipment from the event.
Once marked by family visits, church celebrations, and joy-filled gatherings, Christmas is now defined by grief, remembrance, and survival. While celebrations have been reduced to modest moments, mainly to ease the burden on children, faith remains a source of strength amid overwhelming loss.
This Christmas carries both sorrow and hope: sorrow for the martyrs and the life that was taken from Gaza and hope that peace will indeed return, homes will be rebuilt, and future holidays will once again be celebrated with loved ones, in Gaza, the WestBank, and the entirety of Palestine.
On Christmas Day the Palestinian lullaby hits Number One of the charts as music lovers, artists and humanitarians unite ‘Together for Palestine’
On this sacred day, let's stand in solidarity with our siblings all over the world who are demanding an end to Israeli genocide and an end to 77 years of Israeli occupation. All people should be able to celebrate their holy days in peace.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your loved ones. Meanwhile don’t forget. May the coming year carry peace for Palestine
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