Title: Bethlehem’s War-Torn Streets: Sculpture Depicting Nativity Cave Symbolizes Palestinian Suffering
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, usually bustles with festive decorations and attracts countless tourists during the holiday season. However, this year, the city resembles a war zone, devoid of its usual joy and vibrancy. The current situation has prompted the creation of a thought-provoking sculpture at the Holy Family Cave, home to the renowned Church of the Nativity.
The sculpture, skillfully crafted by artist Tarek Salsaa, presents a hauntingly destroyed version of the traditional nativity cave. Its purpose goes beyond commemorating the birth of Jesus, symbolizing both the sufferings of Christ’s family two millennia ago and the deplorable plight of Palestinians today.
Within the sculpture, the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus are depicted amidst rubble and barbed wire. Joseph, a symbol of comfort, provides solace in this time of devastation. The Magi holds out a white shroud, representing the displacement faced by Palestinians, while a shepherd carries a bag symbolizing the ongoing massacres in Gaza.
Angels suspended around the rubble serve as a poignant reminder of the innocent souls lost to massacres throughout Palestinian history. These innocent victims are the driving force behind the sculpture’s powerful call for a ceasefire and an end to the ongoing massacre against the Palestinian people, conveyed through multilingual panels.
Bethlehem’s mayor, Hana Hanania, has explicitly stated that the sculpture aims to shed light on the suffering endured by the Palestinian people. By drawing a parallel between the hardships experienced by Christ’s family in the past and the present situation in Palestine, the artwork sends a powerful message of empathy and solidarity.
The structure’s roof holds further symbolism, forming a geographical map of Gaza with an explosion symbolizing hope. It serves as a reminder that, even amid the destruction, the aspirations for a better future persist.
Tarek Salsaa, the dedicated artist behind the sculpture, acknowledges that it cannot fully encapsulate the immense destruction and systematic genocide inflicted upon Palestinians. Nonetheless, it serves as a powerful beacon of awareness, urging the world to acknowledge the enormity of their suffering.
Rula Maayaa, the Palestinian Authority’s minister of tourism and antiquities, expresses hope that the message of Christmas, centered around peace and justice, will triumph over the prevailing injustices and tyranny.
Father Ibrahim Feltz, the deputy custodian of the Holy Lands, reflects on the somber state of Bethlehem, deeply saddened by the unprecedented conditions it currently endures. He emphasizes that the city has never faced such devastation before.
As tourists and locals wander through Bethlehem’s streets this holiday season, they are confronted with a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the Palestinian people. The sculpture at the Holy Family Cave stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of a population longing for a future free from violence and suffering, echoing the eternal spirit of Christmas.
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