Christmas in bethlehem

Tis the season to flog Israel - opinion

Western media blame Israel for the decline in Christianity, ignoring the real threat, which is radical Islamic persecution.

|ByDAVID M. WEINBERG
People attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, on December 14, 2025.
The firebombing of a church in Jenin and the burning of a Christmas tree and  Nativity Grotto this week have renewed scrutiny of the treatment of Christians under the Palestinian Authority.

‘Every year they burn trees’: Jenin church firebombing renews scrutiny of Palestinian Authority

“Attacks on Christians, their sites & symbols are unacceptable at all times. Even more so, as we approach Christmas this week,” the ministry said.

|ByPESACH BENSON/TPS, OMER NOVOSELSKY/TPS, FRAIDY MOSER
People gather next to the Christmas tree at Manger Square on the day of Christmas events with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, on Christmas Eve, in the Old City of Bethlehem, December 24, 2025.

Israeli authorities prevented PA VP from attending Christmas Eve mass in Bethlehem - report

Israeli authorities prevent PA Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh from attending Bethlehem's Christmas Eve mass, the Palestinian Authority-run WAFA claimed, as celebrations resume after two years.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, December 6, 2025.

Christmas returns to Bethlehem after two years of silent nights

As Christmas returns to the city where it began, Bethlehem moves to reconstruct its tourism industry.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

PHOTOS: A look inside Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

Both security and the holiday spirit were in abundance in Bethlehem's Manger Square this Christmas Eve, with a sprinkle of politics in the mix.

DECEMBER 25, 2014ByDOV LIEBER
A large illuminated Christmas stands high over the crowd in Manger Square, Bethlehem on Christmas eve, which is buttressed by the the Church of Nativity and the Mosque of Omar.

Thousands of Christians in the Holy Land welcome Christmas

The focus of the Christmas celebrations, as in every year, are in Nazareth and Bethlehem, the home town and birth place respectively of Jesus.

DECEMBER 24, 2014ByJEREMY SHARON
A child dressed as Santa Claus lights a candle in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

O Little Town: Missing in Bethlehem

For such a time as this, Happy Christmas from the Holy Land.

DECEMBER 24, 2014ByBRIAN SCHRAUGER
THOUSANDS OF Palestinians and foreign visitors await the arrival of the Latin Patriarch at Manger Square in Bethlehem on Christmas eve.

WATCH: Palestinian protesters dressed as Santa Claus clash with IDF

The IDF Spokesman's Unit said that approximately 80 protesters hurled rocks at security forces, who responded with riot dispersal means.

DECEMBER 23, 2014ByREUTERS
A Palestinian protester dressed in a Santa Claus costume argues with an Israeli border policeman

WATCH: Jerusalem Latin Patriarch leads mass in Gaza ahead of Christmas

Christians make up a minority of about 3,500 people out of Gaza's 1.5 million mostly Muslim population.

DECEMBER 21, 2014ByREUTERS
Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, Fouad Twal, leads a Christmas mass in Gaza

WATCH: Town of Bethlehem lights up Christmas tree next to the church of the Holy Nativity

Bethlehem marks the beginning of the holiday season by lighting up a 15-meters Christmas tree at Manger Square.

DECEMBER 7, 2014ByREUTERS
A Christmas tree stands in the courtyard of the Nativity Church in the West Bank town of Bethlehem