BICOM

Israeli authorities are helping facilitate the Christian community’s Christmas festivities with a series of events and initiatives. Meanwhile, travel restrictions will also be eased for Palestinian Christians celebrating the holiday.

Israel’s Tourism Ministry said that it expects 70,000 tourists to visit the country especially for the Christmas period. In 2013, Christian tourists accounted for 59 per cent of all visitors to Israel, totalling more than 2 million people.

Today and tomorrow, the Ministry will provide free bus transportation from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where the Church of the Nativity will be a focal point for festive celebrations. The Ministry will also sponsor a firework display during Nazareth’s renowned Christmas parade.

Tourism Minister Uzi Landau yesterday hosted a pre-Christmas reception in Jerusalem for Christian and church leaders representing all denominations. He said, “This festive season carries with it a message of hope and peace and underlines the importance of family values and solidarity…It reminds us how important it is that we preserve these values common to us all.” Landau added, “The State of Israel has a close relationship with Christian leaders and we will continue to invest in the sites that are holy to Christians. Christians will always enjoy freedom of worship in Israel.”

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Municipality last week distributed 100 free complimentary Christmas trees for use by the city’s Christian community. Next month, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat will host a reception for Jerusalem’s various religious leaders.

It was also announced last week that Israel will relax travel restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for the Christmas period. West Bank Palestinians will be able to travel to Israel without special permits. Meanwhile, 700 Palestinians in Gaza will be permitted to travel to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. In addition, 500 West Bank Palestinians will be allowed entry into the Gaza Strip to visit family during the holiday period.