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Conflict in the Middle East
Original poster

Promoting peace

54 replies

EllaDisenchanted · 22/12/2023 13:46

There’s a lot of very heated debate on this board, as understandably there is a lot of emotion and deeply held beliefs and feelings. When threads descend into us v them arguments, the divide just grows further and peace seems further away.

It got me thinking that it would be amazing to have a thread where people can post links highlighting instances of mutual respect/harmony/caring, small or big, where people on whatever ‘side’ come together peacefully.

When it comes down to it, we are passionate because we care, whatever side we are on. There’s place to hold people accountable, on all sides, and that’s definitely happening on the board, but I thought maybe we could also promote peace too.

I hope this makes sense ♥️

I’ll start it off : this is from 2018, but it’s pretty amazing

just to add - Shabbat is starting here in 30 mins so I won’t be back til tomorrow evening - I’m not starting and abandoning the thread, but won’t be back online until then.

קולולם | One Day - Matisyahu | חיפה | | 14.2.18

Koolulam is a social-musical initiative, meant to bring together people from any and all walks of life. Our Idea is to simply stop everything for a few hours...

https://youtu.be/XqvKDCP5-xE?si=97ooWP0tzpMJMGiy

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7
Twiglets1 · 09/12/2025 07:45

Not noticed this thread before but what a lovely idea @EllaDisenchanted

Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war

After the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati tells me. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

Locals – both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce86z84e947o

A giant, lit up Christmas tree with people holding phones standing around it

Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war

For the past two years all public Christmas celebrations have been cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce86z84e947o

quantumbutterfly · 09/12/2025 10:01

Twiglets1 · 09/12/2025 07:45

Not noticed this thread before but what a lovely idea @EllaDisenchanted

Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war

After the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati tells me. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

Locals – both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce86z84e947o

Peace & goodwill at Christmas. Beautiful.

Ihatetomatoes · 10/12/2025 19:18

Always hoping for peace

ScrollingLeaves · 10/12/2025 19:46

Twiglets1 · 09/12/2025 07:45

Not noticed this thread before but what a lovely idea @EllaDisenchanted

Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war

After the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati tells me. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

Locals – both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce86z84e947o

Thank you very much, that is lovely.

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