Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the plight of Christians in the wider Middle East, in a special Christmas address, while contrasting Israel as a safe-haven for the region's Christian minorities.
"Christian communities across the Middle East are experiencing a particularly difficult time," Netanyahu said. "They're experiencing violence, execution and fear. This has become the daily staple for Christian communities throughout the Middle East.
"Well, not so here in Israel - that's the one exception," he continued. "Because here in Israel religious freedom is a sacred principle. Israel's Christian citizens enjoy the full blessings of freedom and democracy; their equal rights are enshrined in Israeli law."
Netanyahu's message comes at a time of unprecedented danger for many Middle Eastern Christians, particularly in Iraq and Syria, where ancient Christian communities face extinction in the face of the brutal march of the Islamic State (IS). But in other countries as well, Christians are complaining of increased discrimination and pressure - including Iran, Turkey and Egypt.
In contrast, Israel is the only country in the Middle East whose Christian population is steadily growing - a fact not lost on many Israeli Christians, who have been increasingly challenging the anti-Zionist positions of the Arab-Israeli establishment in recent years.
In a recent address to the United Nations, Israeli Greek Orthodox priest Gabriel Nadaf described Israel as the only country in the entire region where Christians can live safely.
Israeli authorities have helped facilitate the Christian community’s Christmas festivities with a series of events and initiatives. Meanwhile, travel restrictions will also be eased for Palestinian Christians celebrating the holiday.
Israel’s Tourism Ministry said that it expects 70,000 tourists to visit the country especially for the Christmas period. In 2013, Christian tourists accounted for 59 per cent of all visitors to Israel, totalling more than 2 million people.
The Ministry provided free bus transportation from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where the Church of the Nativity will be a focal point for festive celebrations. The Ministry will also sponsor a firework display during Nazareth’s renowned Christmas parade.
Israel’s Tourism Minister Uzi Landau hosted a pre-Christmas reception in Jerusalem for Christian and church leaders representing all denominations. He said, “This festive season carries with it a message of hope and peace and underlines the importance of family values and solidarity…It reminds us how important it is that we preserve these values common to us all.” Landau added, “The State of Israel has a close relationship with Christian leaders and we will continue to invest in the sites that are holy to Christians. Christians will always enjoy freedom of worship in Israel.”
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Municipality last week distributed 100 free complimentary Christmas trees for use by the city’s Christian community. Next month, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat will host a reception for Jerusalem’s various religious leaders.
It was also announced that Israel will relax travel restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for the Christmas period. West Bank Palestinians will be able to travel to Israel without special permits. Meanwhile, 700 Palestinians in Gaza will be permitted to travel to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. In addition, 500 West Bank Palestinians will be allowed entry into the Gaza Strip to visit family during the holiday period.