Corona is worse than war – NRK Eurex – Foreign Documentary News

Some tourists scattered in Santa hats and a group of scouts with drums point to the spot in front of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. But they are less than usual.

In the city where Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago, infection control has made its mark on the crowd, or lack thereof.

The few tourists who find their way into the city get almost the most important service to themselves.

Very strange, says the Dutchman, Christel Alyan, to the French news agency.

She lives in Jerusalem with her Palestinian husband, but plans on Christmas Eve to go on a trip to Bethlehem.

big loss

Bethlehem is located in the occupied West Bank, one mile south of Jerusalem. Thus, in practice, it is the Israelites who control the flow into the city. In addition, when borders are closed to epidemics, those who usually live at the expense of tourists struggle.

– Before the pandemic, people used to come here from many different countries to celebrate Christmas, but now I think those here are not tourists, says Christel Alayan.

The absence of tourists was especially evident last year when the Christmas celebration was completely canceled. This year, the city is a little more lively, but so far it’s just a reflection of the festivities of previous years.

– If it was only for a year, that would be an interesting contradiction. But we don’t know what the future will hold, and it’s a huge loss for people here.

Thanks for the vaccine

The Christmas holiday is the most important day of the year in Bethlehem. City Tourism Director Rola Maaya thanks Vaccines for bringing people to the city this year.

In an average year, about 3 million tourists come to Bethlehem. During the Christmas holidays, about 10,000 guests usually come to the hotels in the city. About half of them are foreigners.

This year, the city has tried to attract visitors from more nearby areas. However, about a quarter of hotel rooms are empty, according to Elias Arjah, head of the Palestinian Hotel Association.

In front of the Church of the Nativity, roadblocks were erected and the police became visible. The fear of terrorist attacks is great. Only small groups were allowed entry through the gong.

In the crypt under the Church of the Nativity, a small group of pilgrims gathered.

The evidence tells us what should have happened more than 2,000 years ago.

Fødselskyrkja is one of the oldest churches in the world still in use. It was built in the 4th century over a cave that has been referred to as the birthplace of Jesus. From ancient times, the cave would be useful as a stable for pets.

– It is completely irreversible, says American Hudson Harder. The 21-year-old from Oklahoma is studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

He says that while it’s great to have so much space, it’s sad to have all the small shops closed and to think about how much money they are losing.

They gathered around the patriarch

The only crowd on Christmas Eve happened when the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem appeared in the square in the afternoon. Soon he was surrounded by followers.

The highlight of the city’s Christmas celebration is the traditional midnight mass, which the patriarch gives in the main church.

Many had to come to see the Palestinian Scouts perform in the field. It’s also an enduring tradition, and they mark the sound scene with their drums.

Customers disappeared

Many small shops in the city surrendered and closed on Friday.

In a shop around Krybbetorget, Victor Epiphane Tabash sells figures carved into olive trees by Pope Francis and Baby Jesus in a manger.

This year is the 57th year he has been behind the counter. Because it’s sad Christmas.

– There is nothing to say about Christmas. The only thing that gives a sense of life, he says, are Scouts, walking past playing traditional Christmas songs on trumpets, drums and bagpipes.

Tabash has kept its operations alive during the pandemic thanks to exports.

– No customers come here. We managed to get through the uprising while we were fighting. But the coronavirus is worse, he tells AFP.

See a picture of celebrating Christmas around the world