Bethlehem gets assist from UNESCO for Christmas season
UNESCO's recognition of the Church of the Nativity as an Endangered World Heritage site has brought much needed funds to revamp the once-popular tourist destination.
BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Christian tradition says that in their journey from Nazareth 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph walked along Star Street, Bethlehem’s ancient gateway, to get to the manger.
Located just a few hundred meters away from the Church of the Nativity — the church built in the 4th century over the grotto where Jesus is believed to have been born — the long narrow stone alley once boasted a flourishing marketplace of fresh food and handicrafts. Today, Star Street, part of the pilgrimage route along which Christian Palestinian scouts march through during Christmas processions, is lined with weathered green metal doors that are bolted shut.
Jamil Obeid, the owner of a wood workshop, one of only a handful of stores that remain open, says that though he once employed up to 10 people in what used to be a lucrative business, he now works alone and is barely able to make ends meet. He specializes in hand-carved Nativity scenes made out of olive wood, one of several crafts that are unique to Bethlehem.
“Twenty years ago, I used to sell this for $3 a piece,” Obeid tells Al-Monitor, picking up a freshly carved Nativity set. “Today, I am still selling it for $3.”
