BETHLEHEM — The Palestinian town of Bethlehem celebrates Christmas Eve on Thursday with only small numbers attending the traditional events due to COVID-19 restrictions, but town leaders say they are determined to send a message of hope.
Just 12 months ago, Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, was celebrating its busiest festive season for two decades, amid a sustained drop in violence and a corresponding surge in the number of pilgrims and tourists.
But now, hotels that were adding new wings in 2019 are shuttered and many festivities will be followed mostly online.
Nevertheless, aware that the world’s eyes are upon their town at this time of year, Bethlehem’s le…
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