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    Orthodox Christmas Amidst Gaza Tensions in Israel

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    What’s happening:

    As hostilities in Gaza continue, the Orthodox Christian community in Israel commemorates Christmas, with Armenians in Jerusalem planning celebrations from January 18-19.

    Why it matters:

    This period of festivity is marked against a backdrop of conflict, reflecting the complex and often somber realities facing religious communities in the region.

    By the numbers:

    Israel houses approximately 187,900 Christians, representing 1.9% of its population, with Orthodox Christians constituting about a third of this demographic.

    Localized Celebrations:

    In light of the ongoing conflict, traditional holiday gatherings and public displays of festivity have been notably reduced, signifying a communal empathy for those affected by the Gaza war.

    Echoes of Peace:

    Amid the strife, Maryan Saba, a 23-year-old seeking refuge in Gaza City’s St. Porphyrius Orthodox Church, expresses a desolate desire for joy. Simultaneously, religious leaders extend their prayers for peace to all involved parties. Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III partook in the “Royal Hours of Christmas” service, signifying hope and reflecting on the season’s sacred aspects.

    The bigger picture:

    This holiday season in Israel and its territories presents a stark reminder of the enduring wish for peace across lines of conflict, even as celebratory rituals persevere in the face of adversity.

    This story was first published on jpost.com.

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