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minority. Contrary to common belief, Muslims and Christians in Palestine live together in a relationship characterized by mutual respect. We cannot deny the fact that problems sometimes arise between the two, but these never affect the strong bond that connects them. Although as Christians, we are a minority, we are given full freedom to practice our religion. Since Christmas is coming soon, I would like to share with you how we will celebrate it. Here in Bethlehem, we throw the best celebration in the world! After all, this is where Jesus was born. As the tradition goes, on Christmas Eve, people dressed in their most beautiful clothes go out to the streets of Bethlehem to welcome the Patriarch of Jerusalem. They start gathering three hours prior to his arrival, to watch the scout marching bands play their drums and blow their bagpipes, which all combine into beautiful music. You can sense people’s happiness especially in the smiles drawn on the faces of little children dressed like Santa Claus—smiles that symbolize the hope we refuse to give up after over 65 years of humiliation caused by the Israeli occupation. The best part is, that on this day, not it is not only Christians who go out onto the streets to celebrate, but Muslims do so as well, reflecting the relationship of respect I mentioned above. On his arrival, the patriarch is accompanied by the priests, mayor and people into the Church of the Nativity. At midnight, mass is celebrated. On Christmas Day, we have a family dinner after which people visit each other to wish everyone merry Christmas. People come to Bethlehem from all over the world to join the celebration of Jesus Christ’s glorious birth.
As recent as last October Palestinian protesters were clashing with Israeli soldiers in Bethlehem
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Living in Bethlehem is a struggle, but despite this struggle, Bethlehem will always be my home. Yes, I am planning on pursuing an MA and maybe working abroad if I get a chance, but Bethlehem will always be the home I go back to, for as they say, “there is no place like home”. I could go on and on talking about life in Bethlehem, but I would like to end by expressing my wishes for a better future, a future where we all live in peace. Amany Abu Awad is a native of Bethlehem. She is a student at the University of Bethlehem, run by the Christian (De La Salle) Brothers
REALITY DECEMBER 2015
A Palestinian Christian prays in the Church of Nativity on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem