CrossFireArabia
The Orthodox Council in occupied Nazareth has canceled the public Christmas tree lighting originally scheduled for Sunday. The event, which typically draws thousands of participants, was called off due to Israeli security restrictions limiting attendance. The council said the limitations would prevent most of the community from joining and refused to issue a limited number of tickets, as this would exclude large sections of the public from the annual celebration.
The council held an emergency press conference on Friday evening and lit the tree during the event. The Christmas tree will remain in the main square for five weeks, as is customary, and the council encouraged residents to see it in the coming days.
The council had attempted to negotiate with Isreali police and security authorities to ease restrictions, including limiting the number of attendees and the forced closure of nearby businesses. They stressed that the festival also supports the local economy. Council officials emphasized that the restricted number of attendees would represent less than 8% of the community and that the celebration is meant to include the city’s entire social fabric.
Council head, Lawyer Basim Asfour, said the Israeli restrictions were “beyond reason.” He added, “We refuse to favor one group over another. We want the Nazareth Christmas tree, in all its colors and lights, to represent all residents of the city. Our duty is to protect this message, our dignity, the dignity of the people, and their right to joy and participation.”
Nazareth Municipality’s Director General, Nahida Mansour, expressed the city’s support for the council’s decision. She encouraged the public to visit the city during the holiday season, saying, “The tree is a light that must not be extinguished.”
The council confirmed that preparations for the Christmas market and other celebrations will continue in coordination with the municipality according to the Quds News Network.
