Palestinians prepare to host pilgrims at Christmas
257 views · Published 29 December 2018 · 1:08 · Indexed 10 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(24 Dec 2018) Tourists in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Monday enjoyed the annual Christmas scout parade, including marching bands playing bagpipes and drums. Palestinians are preparing to host pilgrims from around the world in celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem - to Christians known as the birthplace of Jesus. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, on Monday crossed an Israeli military checkpoint from Jerusalem ahead of midnight Mass in the town's Church of the Nativity. The festivities by Manger Square traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the region, who make up just a small percentage of Palestinians. Bethlehem, located approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of Jerusalem, is one of few cities in the West Bank and Gaza where Christmas is publicly celebrated. Israel controls entry into the city, after occupying the West Bank in 1967. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/b6b17bccf927e49d97d3aa6bf3a11e13
