Calls for peace in the Holy Land

Jerusalem/Bethlehem, Dec 25 (PTI/GNA) Amid another gloomy Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land, top Roman Catholic official, Michel Sabbah, has appealed Palestinians to halt infighting and for an end to Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed during his homily at midnight Mass in Jesus' birthplace.

"The conflict here has lasted too long. It is high time that the leaders who have our destinies in their hands in this land, specifically, the Palestinian and Israeli leaders as well as those of the international community, it is time for all of them to take new measures that will bring an end to the long phase of death in our history and lead us into a new phase in the history of this Holy Land," Sabbah said in a fervent appeal.


The Latin Patriarch called upon leaders of all hues to "examine their conscience in order to enter a new path that puts an end to bloodshed, death, and in these days to new internal quarrels".


"Christmas is saying to us to put down your arms," Sabbah asserted.


The Manger square in front of the Church of Nativity saw more activities than the past years despite internal strife but the foreign tourists seem to have deserted the city.


"Jerusalem and Bethlehem are like twin cities. If you try to separate Bethlehem from Jerusalem it will be dead and that's what is happening. The Israeli wall has turned it into a jail and restricted tourists", Raja Zachariah, a catholic christian from Bethelehm's old city told PTI.


He shows a whole street with most of the shops shut down, including his own, to drive home his contention. The Israeli tourism ministry took several measures to facilitate the entry of tourists into Bethlehem but locals said it is not a a matter of one time thing.

"We have tried to make the checkpoint leading to Bethlehem as friendly as such a place could be made friendly, in discussion with Palestinians. We have also arranged free shuttles for tourists from Jerusalem to the Church of Nativity", Oren Drori, Director of Marketing at Ministry of Tourism told PTI.


"The city survives on tourism and the wall has broken its backbone. No such measure is going to cheer up this city", Zachariah's friend, George, quipped in response when pointed out with Israeli measures.


Hathem, a gift shop owner in a prime location close to the church of Nativity said,' it is the worst Christmas for me. Not many tourists have come and those who are around are mostly students who have already been living here. It doesn't help".


Despite all the hindrances marching bands, children dressed as Santa Claus, clergymen in magenta skullcaps, foreign tourists, including Indians, gathered in the Manger Square for the Christmas Eve celebrations.


"I had put up an application some three months back for an entry pass for the Midnight Mass. When I was told last week that I can come and collect it I was thrilled. It is like a dream come true for me", Sajan Stelas from Kerala said. Sajan had come down from the southern Israeli coastal city of Eilat especially for the celebrations. "I can't find words to express my feelings at being here", Franklin Titus fom Mumbai said.


Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas attended the Midnight Mass and was specially blessed by the Latin Patriarch.