Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas tree lighting since war as pilgrims slowly return
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20251208T1341 BETHLEHEM CHRISTMAS TREE 1809222_HooQ3OL_t1100
Palestinian Ranya Malki Bandak, director of the Bethlehem Peace Center, stands by a Nativity scene in Manager Square, outside the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, Dec. 8, 2025. The church is built on what is believed to be the site where Jesus was born. (OSV News photo/Debbie Hill) (Debbie Hill)

Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas tree lighting since war as pilgrims slowly return

BETHLEHEM, West Bank OSV News – Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 – for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-Hamas war 10 months later. While the number of pilgrims in the birthplace of Jesus is…...