“We, all together, we decide to be the light, and the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world,” he told thousands of people, Christian and Muslim, who gathered in the square. “People are desperate, but after two years, everyone wants to celebrate.”She and her husband, Michael Jackaman, another guide who is out of work, are from established Christian Bethlehem families that stretch back generations. Christmas and religious pilgrims always have been a prime economic engine for Bethlehem. Palestinian scout bands join a parade on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem (Mahmoud Illean/AP)Fadi Zoughbi, who previously worked overseeing logistics for tour groups, said his children were ecstatic to see the marching bands streaming through the streets of Bethlehem. Irene Kirmiz, who grew up in Bethlehem and now lives in Ramallah, said the scout parade is among her favourite Christmas traditions.

Source: Irish Examiner December 25, 2025 00:16 UTC