Also, be sure to watch the video at the bottom of the
message: “Bethlehem Views”
from George Rishmawi
Bethlehem (Aramaic for House of Laham, the Canaanitic God of
Sustenance) area is decked in colors and the best and most beautiful lights are
the smiles on the faces of our children. On Saturday evening, we attended a
Christian service that was a joint service with the National Cathedral in
Washington DC. The Palestinian children bell choir was uplifting. Children led
the lighting of the candles at churches, the singing, and the choirs and they
outnumbered adults in most activities. We were blessed by visited homes of poor
children of different faiths. On Monday 3500 members of marching bands/scouts
(most youth under 18) led parades near the apartheid wall separating Jerusalem
from Bethlehem towards the Nativity square. Some of the marching youth were
Muslims. The marching band from Gaza (Christian and Muslim) was not allowed to
participate by the Israeli occupation authorities. Earlier in the day, children
in the square formed a large peace symbol and the words "LOVE ALL"
with their bodies in front of the massive Christmas tree in the square. The
United Nations Work and Relief Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) had
banners asking people to remember the suffering children in Gaza and Syria.
Later in the day, the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement
and the YMCA/YWCA Joint Advocacy initiative organized a children's program.
Laughing and dancing lasted for nearly two hours and then gifts were passed to
the kids by Santa Clause. We all should remember that Jesus was born 2000 years
ago in a humble manger. My ancestors, the Shepherds of Beit Sahour recognized
the message of hope and acted on it. They and Jesus were Palestinians living
under a foreign imperial occupation managed by local individuals who claimed
religion and law. Herod killed the Children of Bethlehem to advance the agenda
of hate. Jesus advanced the agenda of love. His family became refugees from
tyranny (like millions of Palestinians today). Jesus challenged military
occupation with non-violent resistance and chastised Pharisees and Sadducees
for hypocrisy. He called for peace and helped the oppressed. This important
child of Bethlehem is recognized by Christians, Muslims, and most of humanity
(including atheists and agnostics) as a great teacher and a saviour. He taught
all humanity that it is important to tell the truth and stand with the weak and
oppressed of this world. He taught by example. Palestinian Christians believe
he became the first martyr for non-violent resistance to foreign occupation of
Palestine. He said "let the children come to me" and implored us to
believe in goodness in the same way that children do and then to ACT on our belief.
Whether we are Christian or not, this is the message coming forth from
Bethlehem this season and all the time.
If you are in the Bethlehem area let us get together and
plan our actions for 2013 and beyond especially for the future of all children
of our shared planet.
Tuesday/Today 4 PM Candle Light march for Palestine in Beit
Sahour starting at the Shephetrds' Field followed by festival of Christmas with
music etc.
Wednesday 6 PM: Service at the wall neaer Rachel Tomb area
Friday: At Izbet Tabib (near Qalqilia), Bilin, and other
localities in Palestine, join marches against the apartheid wall
Bethlehem views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdPjsNpuqCk
Video from the simulcast with the National Cathedral:
"do not ask whom for the bells (of Bethlehem) toll,
they toll for thee"
Stay human
Mazin Qumsiyeh
http://qumsiyeh.org 
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