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US: Deadly Storm Slams New Jersey, Cancels Independence Day Celebrations

A deadly storm with winds topping 60 mph swept through central New Jersey, ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, on Thursday, July 3, leaving at least 3 dead and thousands without power. The city of Plainfield, just southwest of New York City, declared a state of emergency and canceled its Fourth of July celebrations.

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Christians in Jordan Christians in Jordan pray for war-torn Gaza on Christmas Eve

STORY: Christians in Jordan pray for war-torn Gaza on Christmas Eve SHOOTING DATE: Dec. 24, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:58 LOCATION: Amman CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the prayer 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): WALA'A MAZAHREH, Prayer 3. various of the prayer 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FATHER RIFAAT BADR, Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan STORYLINE: On Christmas Eve, Christians in Jordan performed prayers for an end to the aggression in Gaza and the establishment of justice, peace and tranquility in the besieged enclave. This year's Christmas celebrations were limited to prayers in Jordan as the Council of Heads of Churches in Jordan announced that greetings will not be accepted at Christmas this year, and only prayers will be performed. The decision to cancel celebrations came out of respect for the deceased people in Gaza and all over Palestine, as well as an expression of support for Palestinians. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): WALA'A MAZAHREH, Prayer "On this

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West Bank's Bethlehem cancels Christmas celebrations due to Gaza conflict

STORY: West Bank's Bethlehem cancels Christmas celebrations due to Gaza conflict SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 24, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:23 LOCATION: BETHLEHEM, Palestine CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of churches in Bethlehem 2. various of local people attending events STORYLINE: Churches in Bethlehem, the reputed birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank decided to keep only religious rituals and cancel all other celebrations for the current Christmas season to show sympathy to the Palestinians suffering from Israeli attacks and siege. Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania told Xinhua that this Christmas is completely different from previous ones as the holiday has been shrouded in a sad atmosphere due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip and the widespread closure of West Bank cities under Israeli siege. Hanania meanwhile extended his sadness over the situation of Palestinians in Gaza, where families move with their children from one place to another in search of a safe pl

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

Two women visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A Clergyman is seen at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A child is seen at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A child is seen at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM