O Muslim Town of Bethlehem

The sense of a creeping Islamic fundamentalism is all around in Bethlehem.
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“There is no hope for the future of the Christian community,” he said. “We don’t think things are going to get better. For us, it is finished.”

A mosque on one side of Manger Square stands directly opposite the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, while in the evening the muezzin’s call to prayer clashes with the peal of church bells.

Shops selling Santa Claus outfits and mother-of-pearl statuettes of the Virgin Mary have their shutters painted a sun-bleached green – the colour of Islam.

In the Al-Jacir Palace, Bethlehem’s only luxury hotel, there is a baubled Christmas tree in reception and a card showing the direction of Mecca in the rooms.
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