PrintO Little Town of Muslim Bethlehem
According to Christian tradition Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town just outside of Jerusalem that is now under Muslim Arab control. Until recently its population was up to 80% Christian Arab. But in the past few years, through numerous small and large terror incidents directed at them, the Christian population has been drastically reduced as they fled for their safety and lives; those who remain live in fear suffering daily indignities.
Because many Christians will make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas, much attention has been recently focused on the area. Naturally there were numerous references to Israel's barrier surrounding it, most inaccurate at worst, incomplete at best.
Indeed, in many areas under Moslem control, Christian Arabs are being driven out or endure a great deal of discrimination. Ironically, many Christians around the world either blame Israel for this when they can or ignore it when they can't. The plight of the Coptic Christians in Egypt is a prime example of the latter.
So as Christians celebrate their holiday this report, aptly titled Anti—Christian Pogrom in the West Bank should serve as a jarring wake up call.
Ethel C. Fenig 12 23 05
