In support of the Palestinians suffering from the war in Gaza, the biggest churches in Syria, including the Syriac Catholic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Melkite Greek Catholic patriarchs, have canceled all Christmas festivities this year.
The major churches in Syria have limited their Christmas celebrations to prayers in support of Palestine, leaving the streets devoid of the usual Christmas cheer and festive spirit.
Moreover, Azizia, the central district of this northern Syrian city, is usually a hive of activity with a huge Christmas tree and a bustling festive market, its streets decked out with lights and trinkets.
However, there are no Christmas decorations to be seen, and even the main square is nearly deserted this year.
The heads of Syria’s three main churches issued a statement, saying: Given the current circumstances, especially in Gaza, the patriarchs apologize for not receiving Christmas and New Year greetings.
To date, nearly 20,500 people have died in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, since Israel began its massive air and ground invasion of the strip. The ministry also stated that women and children make up the majority of the dead in Gaza.
What’s more, due to the violence, a large number of Gazans have been forced into overcrowded shelters or tents by Israel, where they frequently struggle to find food, fuel, water, and medical attention.
According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, there isn’t a single safe place left in the small area across the ongoing Israeli military campaign.
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