Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is perched atop a mountain that affords it spectacular views of the West Bank and Dead Sea. Just a couple of kilometres from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is essentially cut off from its surroundings. Walls, fortifications, checkpoints and other obstacles set up by Israel have turned the city into an island adrift in the heart of the West Bank.
Despite these physical obstacles, the city unites every year for Christmas festivities. In Manger Square, a large Christmas tree is lit in a grand ceremony that brings together politicians and groups from across the Palestinian political spectrum. In the cold and windy mountain air, Palestinians and their supporters from around the world come together to celebrate, and temporarily forget about the occupation that dominates their lives.
The city’s fortunes haven’t always been so dire. Back in the 1990s, when hope for the peace process was alive, tourists from around the world would flock to the city in the winter months. Eager to visit Christianity’s holy sites, tourists would make Bethlehem their home base for pilgrims around the West Bank and Jerusalem. The construction of Israel’s separation wall and the notorious “300” checkpoint that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem put an end to this tourism boom.
Today, the city is stifled by high unemployment and a punishing urban reality. In no uncertain terms, Bethlehem can’t grow in an urban sense. It is ringed by 22 Israeli settlements – some of which could become part of Israel under the current right-wing government – and Israel’s elaborate matrix of checkpoints and barriers. Coupled with a shrinking tourism sector, Bethlehem’s prospects are dim.
The grim reality doesn’t dampen the Christmas spirit though. For two weeks every December, tourists brave the checkpoints, hotel rooms fill up and people enjoy festivities in Manger Square. For the past several years, the Palestinian Authority has lacked funds to help stage Bethlehem’s massive Christmas tree. Local businessmen of all faiths have stepped in to privately fund the celebrations in a warm gesture of multi-faith solidarity.
The eyes of the world will turn to the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve. For many, the plight of Bethlehem will only register in the back of their minds but it is critical to remember how the city suffers throughout the year under the crippling weight of Israel’s occupation. As the Israeli government moves steadily onward with efforts to entrench its control, the effects of the occupation can’t be avoided in Bethlehem.
For 2,000 years, the people of Bethlehem have celebrated this season with hope and a message of peace. This year will be no different, despite the ever growing restrictions placed on their movement. The city’s hope is needed now more than ever in the region and the world. If the people of Bethlehem can come together in unity and peace under such oppressive conditions, then there is still hope for the world.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
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The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
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Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0
De Bruyne (70')
Man of the Match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics