Bethlehem Mayor, Victor Batarsa, said on Monday that Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is facing the most difficult economic, political and touristic conditions as a result of the continuous and illegal practices of the Israeli occupation against the city and the surrounding area.During a press conference on Monday, Batarsa stated that the Wall forced dozens of families to leave their houses, and isolated the residents from their orchards, which led to the immigration of hundreds of families.
Batarsa stated that the Wall isolated at least 700 Dunams of farmlands and orchards from their owners in Bethlehem, in addition to the Israeli annexation of 15% of the lands especially in the northern part of the city.
These procedures negatively affected several aspects of the Palestinian society as hundreds of residents became unable to reach their lands in addition to the serious set-back of the touristic sector of the holy city, especially sine the tourists remain in Jerusalem and its hotels, and only a few make it to Bethlehem.
Batarsa also said that unemployment rates arrived to 65%, and that most of the residents are now below the poverty line as thousands of workers are unable to reach their works in Jerusalem and Israel.
The Wall isolated students from their schools and universities, isolated employees and patients from the hospitals.
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Batarsa addressed the world saying that in spite of all of the Israeli procedures and illegal practices, the Palestinian people have hope in a better future, and are capable of sending a message of tolerance, a message of Christmas to the whole world.
Batarsa also said that his message this year addresses the nations of this earth and appeals them not to forget Bethlehem.
"Give us the care and support we deserve", he said, "Participate in breaking the unjust siege, visit Bethlehem, the holy city and live among the welcoming people".[...]
Bethlehem will light its Christmas tree in an official ceremony at the Manger Square on December 15, and will officially launch Christmas celebrations. [Source: Saed Bannoura - IMEMC]
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Ya masaakeen. From bad to worse.
Time to liquidate the PNA and return control to the fascist jews so as deprive them from their fig leaf.
For someone who knows Bethlehem as well during “good times”, it is the more difficult to watch this horrible situation unfolding! The city is living from tourism, there is barely any life without … no money, no jobs, depressed people – nothing positive at all.
The whole Christian world is busy preparing for Christmas which is actually supposed to commemorate the birth of Jesus .. but at the same time the place were all that happened some 2000 years ago, is forgotten and ruthlessly destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces without any consideration of the religius feeling of others. Were Jewish places destroyed, the whole world would scream in protest … but Christian or Muslim places seem to have lesser priority. SHAME on all those responsible … you ALL discredited yourself!
One interesting point I want to stress as well … whoever has GOOGLE-earth – just have a look under what country Bethlehem comes up! It is NOT, as widely expected, “Palestine” or “Occupied Territories” … but ISRAEL!!! You are reading correctly … it clearly says “Bethlehem, ISRAEL”!!! I wonder if that does ring a bell in anyone’s head …