In Gaza, a Christmas without a tree
2024-12-25 12:00
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – For the first time in decades, there will be no Christmas tree in Gaza City’s main square this year. The decision was made by the Hamas government, which controls the Gaza Strip, in a bid to “preserve Islamic values.”
The ban on Christmas trees has been met with widespread criticism from Christian leaders and human rights groups. They argue that the ban is a violation of religious freedom and that it will only serve to further isolate Gaza from the rest of the world.
“This is a sad day for Gaza,” said Father Manuel Musallam, the pastor of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. “Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and a Christmas without a tree is like a birthday without a cake.”
The ban on Christmas trees is the latest in a series of measures taken by the Hamas government to restrict religious freedom in Gaza. In recent years, the government has banned the sale of alcohol, closed down Christian schools, and restricted the movement of Christians.
The Hamas government has defended its actions, saying that they are necessary to protect Islamic values. However, critics argue that the government is simply using religion as a pretext to suppress dissent and consolidate its power.
The ban on Christmas trees is a reminder of the difficult challenges facing Christians in Gaza. The Christian population in Gaza has dwindled in recent years, due to persecution, poverty, and emigration. Today, there are only about 1,000 Christians living in Gaza, down from a peak of 30,000 in the 1950s.
Despite the challenges, Christians in Gaza are determined to celebrate Christmas. They will hold services in their churches, sing carols, and exchange gifts. But this year, they will do so without the traditional Christmas tree.
“We will not let the Hamas government ruin our Christmas,” said Father Musallam. “We will still celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we will still pray for peace in Gaza.”
In Gaza, a Christmas without a tree
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