BETHLEHEM HOSTS A FULL HOUSE "NO ROOM IN THE INN"-

NAZARETH AGLOW IN FULL CELEBRATION AND COLOR

Highlights of Christmas festivities as the Holy Land closes a great tourism year

Gearing towards 2008 and the Gregorian New Year, Minister Itzhak Aharonovitch welcomed the "Season of Light" and sent out heart-felt greeting cards to members of the three monotheistic religions in the Holy Land: to Christians celebrating Christmas and the New Year, Jews celebrating Hanukah, and to Moslems celebrating the holiday of El Adha.

Christmas arrangements for pilgrims visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth were underway early this year due to the growth of tourism to Israel, particularly pilgrimage tours, and the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The Israel Ministry of Tourism greeted more than 60,000 pilgrims visiting the Holy Land this Holiday Season-up from 40,000 last year. In all of the tourism offices, pilgrims were encouraged to enjoy the many special activities and festivities available. Of these, more than 20,000 attended Christmas Mass in Bethlehem.

The festivities began with a special concert "From Bethlehem and Jerusalem Concert for Life and Peace", courtesy of the Coordination Life and Peace Association, and produced and organized by Mr. Rino Maenza and Medianova. Minister Aharonovitch was guest of honor and welcomed the special "I SOLISTI VENETI" ensamble founded by Carlo Scimone 50 years ago. With them performed local artists as well as international figures. The concert was performed first in Bethlehem and then in Jerusalem.

As in the past six years, the concert is offered to the citizens of both Jerusalem and Bethlehem as a sign of friendship and solidarity by the Italian Municipalities, Provinces and Regions in collaboration with the Conference permanente des Villes Historiques de la Mediterranee. In Jerusalem, this concert was possible thanks to the endeavors of Mr. Moti Levy, Special Advisor at the Municipality of Jerusalem, and the Ministry of Tourism. The concert was broadcasted on RAI TV in Italy and worldwide on Christmas day.

Christmas Eve in Nazareth was also special with activities and festivities of the northern region Christian communities. The streets were bustling and restaurants as well as special ornate Middle Eastern sweetshops were full. The Israel Ministry of Tourism, The Nazareth Municipality together with the Nazareth Cultural & Tourism Association and all joined to make the celebrations colorful and cheerful. The celebration began with a parade through the town center and up to the historic Church of the Annunciation. The Mayor and northern church religious leaders saluted the marching bands and scouts of the regional church schools from the grand stand. As a finale, fireworks, courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism, lit the sky.

Welcoming the pilgrims celebrating in Bethlehem:

The Israel Ministry of Tourism prepared a smooth crossing, without delays between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in conjunction with the the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as with the Security Forces.

Buses entering Bethlehem used a separate lane which had been specially prepared for their crossing on Christmas. Traditional festive lighting had been installed.

Individual tourists passed on foot or used the free Jerusalem-Bethlehem Shuttle provided by the Tourism Ministry. The buses ran every half hour from the southern end of Jerusalem and headed towards Bethlehem and from Manger Square towards Jerusalem. As a courtesy of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, these buses were allowed access to special conveniently located parking spots which they sponsored.

Also in the Christmas spirit, Israel granted over 400 Christian residents of Gaza permits to travel through Israel to Bethlehem to attend Christmas celebrations there.

The Ministry of Tourism manned the crossing from noon, 24/12/07 until noon 25/12/07 handing out holiday greetings in Hebrew, English and Arabic …

BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR TO ALL,

AND WE HOPE YOU JOIN US NEXT YEAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

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