Israel Christmas after the Gaza war: a message of hope despite concern
Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the heads of Jerusalem's churches have emphasized the Christian message of hope at Christmas.
23.12.2025, 09:41
SDA
Although a ceasefire has enabled many communities to celebrate the festival more publicly again, they also urged caution. In their joint Christmas message, they referred to the prophet Jeremiah, who warned against those who speak of "peace, peace", even though there is no peace.
Solidarity with the suffering
Despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds of people continued to be killed or seriously injured, they said. Many more had suffered violent attacks on their persons, property and freedoms - not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighboring countries.
The church leaders reaffirmed their "solidarity with all those who are suffering and depressed". At the same time, they called on Christians and "all people of good will worldwide" to continue to pray and work for true and just peace in the homeland of the birth of Jesus Christ - and worldwide.
Christmas celebrations return after ceasefire
Christians in the Holy Land are celebrating Christmas again for the first time since the end of the Gaza war. This year, a large Christmas tree will once again stand in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. After the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, midnight mass will also be celebrated there on Wednesday.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is expecting around 40,000 Christian pilgrims at Christmas. The Latin Patriarch, the highest representative of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, visited the largely destroyed Gaza Strip before Christmas.
