Hadil Al-Shalchi
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
People lined up to receive communion in the austere prayer hall of the Church of the Nativity.
The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzabella, just finished his sermon.
He mentioned the devastation of the war in Gaza, but said he saw hope when he visited there earlier this week.
Earlier in the day, the traditional Scouts parade marched through the streets of Bethlehem.
Palestinians at Manger Square said that for the first time in more than two years, they felt they could let themselves feel life and joy.
Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Bethlehem.
People lined up to receive communion in the austere prayer hall of the Church of the Nativity.
The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzabella, just finished his sermon.
He mentioned the devastation of the war in Gaza, but said he saw hope when he visited there earlier this week.
Earlier in the day, the traditional Scouts parade marched through the streets of Bethlehem.
Palestinians at Manger Square said that for the first time in more than two years, they felt they could let themselves feel life and joy.
Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Bethlehem.
It's been two years since the city where Christians believe Jesus was born held its traditional Christmas Scouts parade.
Young men and women playing the bagpipes and drums marched through the city.
Hundreds of people summoned their Sunday best crammed into Manger Square to watch the massive Bethlehem Christmas tree towering over them.
Asir Jahjah said that the celebrations came at a necessary time.
People need to release some of the pressure they felt, she said.
That pressure was from worry over what's happening to Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
Those in Bethlehem today said they will dare to allow themselves some hope this Christmas.
Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Bethlehem.