The Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people that has already entered its eleventh week has had a severe impact at the economic, social, human and cultural levels.

The people of Bethlehem and its Governorate are suffering, just like all Palestinians living in the Palestinian Territories, from the continuing and grave hostilities perpetrated by the occupation forces and the settlers.  The towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour have become the targets for daily bombardment.  Many families have left their homes either because they have been destroyed or because they have become uninhabitable.  Bethlehem is under a state of closure that actually bans any movement of people, and largely restricts and discourages the inflow of tourists.  Moreover, the Palestinian people have so far suffered the loss of around three hundred and fifty martyrs and more than seven thousand wounded.

Under such circumstances, it is only natural that the Palestinian people, overwhelmed with sorrow and mourning, do not feel especially excited about celebrating Christmas, and indeed any other feast, including Eid Al-Fitr.  The popular sentiment is one-of sorrow for the grave loss.

Consequently, the big celebrations that had been planned for this Christmas have been largely reduced.  Major components of the Christmas Festival, a big event scheduled by the Bethlehem 2000 Project and aimed to be established as an annual event have been cancelled.  In fact other activities that the Project had scheduled for the season, including those of a cultural nature have either been cancelled or postponed because the participants, most of who are foreign, deemed it either unsafe or inappropriate to come.

Yet, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, and Christmas is essentially a religious occasion.  It is unquestionable that the religious ceremonies be pursued almost as usual.  Just like every year, the Patriarchal procession into the city will take- place, as well as The Midnight Mass that will be transmitted live on Palestine TV.

Manger Square will, despite the pain, be modestly decorated; few choirs will still sing Christmas carols at Manger Square on Christmas Eve.

At another level, Bethlehem 200 Project, together with a group of partners that include Governmental and non-governmental bodies, will carry out activities oriented to children on the occasions of Christmas and Eid Al-Fitr, in order to entertain them and alleviate the stress they are suffering from as a result of the Israeli aggression.

The people of Bethlehem, the city of peace, have a message to their children and to the World: no matter how arrogant occupation may get, the will for life and freedom is stronger.  So long, as Palestinians live on this land, as they have and will always be, there will be Christmas; pilgrims and tourists will always be welcome in Bethlehem.

Program of Celebrations 2000-2001

• Saturday, 23 Dec. 2000

"The Children of Palestine Festival" 11:30-3:15 pm;
It will start with a march from the Arab Bank towards Manger Square, to be followed by the inauguration of an art exhibition by children at the Peace Centre, and an entertainment program on the Millennium Stage performed by Abeer Sansour, Khaled Al-Masou, "Yacoub Abu Arafeh, Al-Rowwad Theatre, Hakaya folklore group.
• Sunday, 24 Dec. 2000

Religious choirs on the Millennium stage 7:3 0 – 10:30 pm The participating choirs are:
Choir of Joshua in Onnuri (Korea),
Bruderhof (Community Choir from England).
Heart to Heart (Bethlehem \Amman),
Bethlehem Bible College,
Lutheran School Choir, Beit Sahour,
Bethlehem Conservatory Choir
• Monday, 25 Dec. 2000

"The Journey of the Magi", arrival of the Magi convoy to
Manger Square with a candle march that will start from Beit Sahour at 4:30 pm towards Manger Square; arrival to Square at 7:30 pm will be followed by a celebration on the Millennium Stage, Manger Square.
• Thursday, 28 Dec. 2000

"Remember the Innocent" children festival, 3:00-5:00 pm on
Manger square.  It includes workshops and the setting-up of a memorial for martyred children in the Square.