(13 Dec 1996) T/I: 10:18:59
Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, is financially broke and cannot afford to hold Christmas festivities this year.
The holy city's annual Christmas celebrations, attended by thousands of
Christians from around the world, has traditionally included fireworks,
parades, performances by choirs and bands as well as a Christmas mass at the Church of the Nativity and other churches.
SHOWS:
BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK 12/12
WS of church tower,
people inside Church of the Nativity,
choir singing in the background,
people burning candles,
exterior Palestinian flag flying,
army checkpoint in street,
SOT, Bethlehem Mayor, Elias Freij in English, saying there are usually
decorations so that people can enjoy spirit of Christmas, this year can't decorate through lack of funds.
VS city
Freij SOT, "The city now is suffering from an economic depression because of the Israeli closure of the city, unemployment high..people not paying taxes, people have to buy bread for children.."
Vs Bethlehem, of church,
tourists around church of the nativity
2.08
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