this is one more example of what your 'most moral democracy in the mid east' does;

Nearly 20 years ago Israeli occupation troops viciously murdered innocent civilians inside and outside Christianity’s oldest church

At this time of year most Christians’ thoughts turn to that little Palestinian town of Bethlehem, the wellspring of their faith.

Prior to the imposition of the Israeli state Christians made up about 85% of Bethlehem’s population. By 2016 this had reduced to only 15%. Today it is feared that the Christian element may be as low as 10%. A visit will tell you why. Heavy encroachment by Israeli squats and theft of Palestinian lands has robbed many of their homes and livelihoods. The town is surrounded by Israel’s 8-metre high apartheid barrier wall hemming the population in and cutting them off from their sister town of Jerusalem.

Christians find it easier to emigrate and resettle in Western countries and can usually better afford to do so than their Muslim brothers and sisters. The exodus is spurred by Israel’s incessant religious war against the indigenous Muslims and Christians. A glaring example of this was the appalling attack on the Church of the Nativity and the citizens who sought refuge there, by Israel’s army of occupation (the IDF) nearly 20 years ago.

I was reminded of this the other day when an old friend, George, sent greetings from Bethlehem. He is a survivor of that atrocity against one of Christianity’s principal holy places. This is his account of what happened, as recorded in my book ‘Radio Free Palestine’. I reproduce it here as a reminder of the awful reality of today’s Christmas story in the context of 73 years of military occupation by a state that brutally violates human rights to pursue its policy of racial domination and supremacy.

The 40-day siege...........read more.......