This year, Christmas Eve in Bethlehem offers hope to pilgrims

Published: 2004-12-28

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) -- On Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, there was hope. Unlike the past several years, this year visitors in Manger Square were not limited to foreign workers and diplomats, but included pilgrims who had come for the Christmas holiday. Palestinian and Israeli tourism ministries had launched a campaign to promote tourism to Bethlehem for the season. Busloads of pilgrims -- many from Nigeria -- streamed in and out of the city Dec. 24 to visit the Church of the Nativity. Ayacx Mercedes, 35, came with a group of Latin American students studying in England. "We are Catholic, and Christmas is a very special time to be in Bethlehem," said Mercedes, who is from the Dominican Republic. "Since we are already far away from our families during this holiday, we wanted to at least have a meaningful spiritual experience," added Shajira Nazir, 23, also from the Dominican Republic. As for fear of terrorism or other violence, fellow Dominican Victor Simon, 24, laughed and said, "We are from Third World countries ourselves, so we are not afraid."

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