Pilgrims flock to most peaceful Bethlehem in years
Pastor Dale Morgan
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*Pilgrims flock to most peaceful Bethlehem in years*
24 Dec 2007 21:50:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Rebecca Harrison
BETHLEHEM, West Bank, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Thousands of pilgrims gathered
in Bethlehem on Monday for a Christmas mass promoted by Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas and Western powers as a chance to highlight the
benefits of peacemaking.
Christmas carols played through a packed Manger Square ahead of the
traditional midnight mass, though the majority of those gathered were
Palestinians and not the foreign tourists local vendors were hoping for.
Earlier in the day religious and political leaders arrived in the town
where Christians believe Jesus was born.
At a U.S.-sponsored peace conference last month, Abbas and Israeli Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert launched negotiations with the goal of reaching a
statehood agreement by the end of 2008.
"The new year, God willing, will be a year of security and economic
stability," Abbas said in Bethlehem. "We pray next year will be the year
of independence for the Palestinian people."
Ahead of the festivities, Palestinian security forces, many carrying
newly issued rifles, took up positions on the streets of Bethlehem in
numbers not seen in years.
"Despite all the security, people couldn't be more friendly," said Eaddy
Kiernan, 22, on holiday from the United States, about the large number
of armed guards. "It's the most special place you could celebrate
Christmas."
Bethlehem was particularly affected when tourism slumped during the
early years of a Palestinian uprising -- or Intifada -- that erupted in
2000.
Most residents still cannot work in Jerusalem and travel freely to other
Palestinian towns because of Israeli restrictions and the barrier that
cuts into West Bank land that Palestinians want for a state.
Israel says the barrier, made up of a mix of wired fence and concrete
walls, is meant to keep out suicide bombers. Israel allowed dozens of
Christians from Gaza to travel to Bethlehem to take part in the festivities.
NO ROOM
But this year store owners say they are celebrating their most peaceful
-- and profitable -- Christmas in seven years.
"We are more satisfied. The economic situation is getting a little
better," said Khaled Msalam, a 42-year-old Bethlehem shop owner. "Still,
people have financial trouble and can't afford a lot of our products."
Tourism, the lifeblood of Bethlehem's economy, has improved as Western
powers have sought to bolster Abbas in his power struggle with Hamas
Islamists who took over the Gaza Strip in June.
Nadia Hazboun, who manages a souvenir store opposite the Church of the
Nativity said: "This year is better than other years because this peace
process is making people feel more calm."
After struggling for years to fill rooms, many Bethlehem hotels are
fully booked for Christmas.
Middle East envoy Tony Blair has been trying to improve tourist access
and facilities in Bethlehem. The former British prime minister recently
stayed overnight in one of the city's best hotels to send a message it
is safe.
But local leaders remain cautious; tourism numbers still hover at just
60-70 percent of pre-Intifada levels, and many Western governments still
warn against non-essential travel. (Writing by Adam Entous; editing by
Giles Elgood)