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“The church is empty, Bethlehem is empty, and even locals from Palestine can’t join us,” says Father Issa Thaljieh, describing how both the church and the city are quiet. In an interview, Father Thaljieh, the priest at the Greek Orthodox Parish in the Church of the Nativity, speaks about how Christmas in Bethlehem this year will be markedly different. The celebrations will be subdued, focusing on prayer and spiritual activities, without the usual parades, music, and large gatherings. Jack Issa Jekman, an olive wood craftsman, added, ‘Bethlehem is suffering. All ways in and out of the city are closed.’ As he spoke about the economic impact on the area due to the war in Gaza. Subscribe to our channel: Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: Middle East Eye Website: Follow us on TikTok: @middleeasteye Follow us on Instagram: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter:
