21 Dec 2010 Christians from Judea and Samaria, Gaza and Arab countries will be able to join their families for Christmas. In anticipation of the upcoming Christmas holiday, the IDF and Civil Administration are making a number of goodwill gestures to benefit the Palestinian Christian population in the region. The measures were approved by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, and the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. Ahead of the festivities and religious ceremonies that will take place during the holiday season, the Coordinator of the Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot, and the head of the Civil Administration will visit church leaders and discuss with them the preparations being made. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit Bethlehem and, during the Christmas period, all the crossing points in the area will be open 24/7 to accommodate them. The commander and officials of the Bethlehem District Coordination Office met with community leaders to ensure that the events run smoothly, and that the time-honored principle of the status quo among the various religious factions is preserved. Since a central element of the holiday is celebrating together with family, a number of measures intended to facilitate family gatherings are being implemented, beginning on Sunday, December 19, 2010 and ending Thursday, January 20, 2011: • Christian residents of Judea and Samaria (with no age limit) will be permitted to cross into Israel for the duration of the Christmas holiday, including lodging. • 300 Christian Palestinians will be permitted to cross to the Ben Gurion International Airport during the holiday season. • 500 Christian residents of the Gaza Strip over the age of 35 will be permitted entry into Judea and Samaria and into Israel for religious worship and family gatherings. • 200 Christian residents of Arab countries will be permitted to enter Judea and Samaria during the holiday season. Major-General Dangot noted that, despite the numerous rockets that have fallen into Israeli territory in the past few days, Israel will be allowing Palestinian Christians to exit the Gaza Strip. This decision was taken because Israel views freedom of worship with the highest importance and will not allow Hamas to prevent the Christian community in the Gaza Strip from celebrating during this special season. In a pre-holiday interview, Maj. Gen. Dangot said, "Right now, we are preparing for Christmas. I'm convinced it will pass smoothly. The recent Eid al-Adha holiday is an excellent example of how we are able to alleviate conditions for one population without endangering another. At that time, we removed barriers, opened roadways, and made the maximum effort while keeping in mind security issues." Wishing everyone a happy holiday, he added, "I understand that the hotels in Bethlehem have been booked for two months." NOTES: It was noted in a major U.S. newspaper, USA Today - Headline (below): Gaza Christians leave for Christmas in Bethlehem "Christians currently comprise less than 2% of the population in the West Bank and Gaza, compared to about 15% in 1950. Like many other Christian communities across the Middle East, many have moved abroad to flee political tensions or in search of economic opportunities. ISRAEL: Dr. Reuven Reuveni's response to USA news article: Nevertheless, Israel is safer these days, for Christians, other religious groups and Holy Places than many other countries in the world. Therefore, Tourism to Israel broke yet another all-time record in November, when 310,000 visitors entered the country - more than during any previous month in modern history. This was 23% more than in November of 2009 and 19% more than the same month in 2008, which was Israel’s previous record year for tourism. 3.18 Millions of tourists visited Israel in the first 11 months of this year – 26% more than the same period in 2009, and 12% more than that of 2008. Bee Sting's response to liberal USA newspapers and media reporting on Bethlehem: Without exception, you can expect journalists and "talk radio" to imply that Christians are unwelcome or in danger when visiting, or living in the Land of Israel - the "Holy Land". Earlier this year, our own State Department had listed Israel as "unsafe"for travelers/tourists. When speaking of Bethlehem, the city where Christians celebrate the birth of their Saviour, and songs are sung about that "Little Town of Bethlehem", the world takes notice of the celebrations throughout Israel during the Christmas season. And, as this evening is Christmas Eve, all the Christians eyes are upon Israel and its church services in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and throughout Israel. Politics should never enter the picture when speaking of one's personal faith, but politics become wrapped up like an unwanted gift, whenever speaking of Israel. Christians moving away from the Middle East, need only look at the Christians slaughtered in Iraq last month, to understand that it is the Islamic terrorists, not the Jews, who prevent others from worshiping in peace. Therefore, it is indeed a pleasure to read Dr. Reuveni's comments, demonstrating that Israel, for peoples of other faiths and religions, are drawn to worship without fear or intimidation, and in the process, are greatly blessed. Shalom! Great peace and joy to everyone and may true, lasting peace become the answer to our prayers. |
