Church of the Nativity

Empty alleyway and two blue doors

Christmas is canceled in Bethlehem

Global Security

Every year, thousands of tourists and Christian pilgrims flock to Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But this year, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem and across the Middle East will be dramatically toned down.

Two visitors are shown standing a one taking a cell phone photo of the Church of the Nativity with bright white light shining from the windows above.

Jesus’ Bethlehem birthplace gets a makeover. But will it boost tourism? 

Religion