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Gaza’s Christians light Christmas tree

Gaza's tiny Christian community celebrates Christmas in a giant way.
A girl holds on to a fence as she stands near the lit-up Christmas tree in the courtyard of the YMCA Gaza in Gaza City on Dec. 10, 2021.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Despite the fierce war the Gaza Strip went through in May when many families lost their loved ones and homes, Gazans from different religions continue to look for life and peace.

The coastal enclave’s Christians celebrate by lighting a Christmas tree, which to them symbolizes love and peace. More than 1,000 Christians live in Gaza. Double that number have migrated abroad between the West Bank and other countries in search of life and safety — something they were deprived of because of Israel’s policies and harassment of Palestinians who live in the besieged enclave.

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