Wall round Bethlehem an ugly barrier to Palestinian autonomy

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, is synonymous with Christmas, but it is menaced by the concrete divide that encroaches on Palestine territory, says Eoin O’Driscoll.

FOR two millennia, the town of Bethlehem has held a special place in the hearts of Christians. To celebrate the birth of Christ in this town, just a few kilometres south of the famed city of Jerusalem, families have set up cribs in their homes and children have been performing nativity plays in schools and churches.

Through these re-enactments of the nativity, Bethlehem has become synonymous with the sleepy, celebratory time spent with family and friends and hope for the new year that characterise Christmas.