With global headlines dominated since Oct. 7 by news of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel, followed by Israel's military assault on Gaza and a rise in violence in the West Bank, business owners in Bethlehem said no one was coming.
"We have no guests. Not one," said Joey Canavati, owner of the Alexander Hotel, whose family has lived and worked in Bethlehem for four generations.
"This is the worst Christmas ever.
Bethlehem is shut down for Christmas.
No Christmas tree, no joy, no Christmas spirit," he said.
Located just south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is heavily reliant for income and jobs on visitors from all over the world who come to see the Church of the Nativity, believed by Christians to stand on the site where Jesus was born.
This story is from the December 15, 2023 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 15, 2023 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Biden warns of Trump 'oligarchy' in farewell speech
US President Joe Biden urged Americans Wednesday to stand guard against a \"dangerous\" oligarchy forming under Donald Trump as he delivered a dark farewell address before stepping down next week.
Green is in as office landlords and tenants focus on ESG
Sustainable office buildings to dominate Metro Manila supply from 2025 to 2027
VMC profit rises 14% to P370.7M
Earnings of Victorias Milling Co. Inc. (VMC) rose by 14 percent on an annual basis in the first quarter of crop year ending November after its costs declined by about the same rate.
Local Coca-Cola unit changes name
Following its change of ownership, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) will now be known as Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc. (CCEAP).
STAR's Sheila Crisostomo writes '30'
Philippine STAR reporter Sheila Villaflores Crisostomo was usually described as “walang masamang tinapay” – a Tagalog phrase which means “someone really optimistic and positive.”
SoKor's Yoon avoids fresh questioning after arrest
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol refused to appear for fresh questioning by investigators yesterday, a day after his dramatic arrest over an ill-fated martial law declaration.
Phl at risk from poverty, economic downturn - WEF
BIGGEST THREATS IN NEXT 2 YEARS
LONG LIVE PHYSICAL MEDIA!
In an age where streaming movies, shows, and music has become second nature, we're slowly forgetting the joy of physical media.
Long Live Physical Media!
Before going home, I would drop by my family's drugstore. Just a couple of steps away was a vendor in a corner selling pirated movies. This set the stage for my exploration of physical media.
Diaz to be enshrined in PSA Hall of Fame
For bringing pride and glory to the country with every lift she did in an outstanding sporting journey, weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz is set for enshrinement in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Hall of Fame.