Bethlehem Church Redesigns Nativity Scene Amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas War

Church leaders call for focus on religious aspects of Christmas as the conflict impacts celebrations and the local economy.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem has redesigned its Christmas nativity scene to reflect the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, depicting baby Jesus in a manger amid rubble.
The church's pastor, Reverend Doctor Munther Isaac, said the installation has received significant attention and response globally, despite the absence of pilgrims due to the war.
The ongoing war has escalated violence in the surrounding region, including the West Bank, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, with Israeli forces conducting deadly raids.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have called on their congregations to forgo the customary Christmas celebrations, focusing instead on the religious and spiritual aspects of the holiday.
The cancellation of Christmas festivities is expected to have a significant impact on Bethlehem's economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism.