00:00In the Palestinian territories, in a moment where joy and grief exist side by side, the
00:23city of Beit Jala lit its Christmas tree, not just as a festive tradition, but as a national
00:30statement of hope, steadfastness, and solidarity with Gaza.
00:37This year's ceremony was distinctive.
00:40It was quietly powerful, rooted in faith, history, and resistance.
00:47Service leaders from all Christian denominations, the mayor of Beit Jala, senior Palestinian
00:54officials, and representatives of the president and prime minister stood together to light
00:59the tree, formally marking the start of the Christmas season.
01:05Before the lights came on, clergy offered a blessing, a moment that symbolized prayer and
01:12a collective call for peace.
01:22The celebration included religious hymns, folkloric dances, and national songs, all reflecting
01:29Beit Jala's deep cultural and historical identity.
01:34But this was not a celebration detached from reality.
01:39It was held against the backdrop of war, loss, and the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
01:47Speaking to Palestine News Network, Ramzi Khoury, head of the Presidential Higher Committee for
01:53Church Affairs, said the event sent a clear message.
01:58Despite the pain, despite the wounds of war, Palestinians continue to hold on to hope and remain rooted
02:06in their land, like the olive tree.
02:12From Beit Jala, a place where Christianity spread to the world, Khoury asked a direct question.
02:19Where is the world in the face of killing, injustice, and persecution in Palestine?
02:27He said the tree lighting carried two core messages, one, to Palestinians, affirming unity, and two,
02:35to the world, declaring that Palestinians deserve life, dignity, and freedom.
02:42Beit Jala mayor Issa Janine also addressed the crowd, saying the city would remain steadfast
02:49until justice until justice is achieved, peace is realized, and a Palestinian state is established
02:55with Jerusalem as its capital.
02:59He said celebrating Christmas, even in pain, proves that Palestinians will not leave their
03:05land, and called on the diaspora to stay connected and support their hometowns.
03:12After two years without public celebrations, in solidarity with Gaza, this year's event was
03:19described as the lighting of the tree of hope and the tree of life.
03:26Representing the prime minister, tourism minister Hani al-Haq conveyed Christmas greetings from
03:31the leadership and described Beit Jala as a model of resilience and belonging.
03:38He spoke of land confiscations, restrictions, and repeated attacks, particularly in the
03:44Kremison Valley, but stressed that these policies would not break the will of the people.
03:52Religious leaders said the message from Beit Jala was both spiritual and national.
03:58Archbishop Atala Hana said this Christmas is a day of joy mixed with pain, a day to tell
04:04the world that justice is absent and must be restored.
04:10For residents, the lighting of the tree was emotional, a reminder that unity still holds,
04:16and that hope, despite everything, endures.
04:21As the lights shone over Beit Jala, the message was clear.
04:26This here is not just a holiday, it's a statement, a call for justice, and a refusal to surrender.
04:35From Beit Jala, this is a message to Gaza, and to the world.
04:41This is a message to Gaza, and to the world remains alive.
05:00Subscribe to One India and never miss an update.
05:02Download the One India app now.
Comments