Christians Disappearing In Birth Place of Jesus

Bethelem's economy has been destroyed by five years of Palestinian violence. The city is walled off by a security barrier, which means that the Christmas spirit is quickly disappearing. One woman says that Bethlehem is no longer merry. Tourists have begun to come back, but not enough to boost the trade. And, Christians domoniate the town's tourist trade. The violence that is associated with Bethlehem has scared off many tourists.

Free access is allowed by Israel from Jerusalem, but anyone who returns must go through large lines in order to be checked and have all luggage checked. They aren't even able to bring back food for their children.

10% of Bethelem's population has left Bethlehem, and these are all Christians. Muslims now outnumber the Christians, and they make up 35% of the population in the city of 60,000 people.

Linked to Conservative Cat

Tags| Bethlehem, Israel, Christians, Muslims, Jesus