The Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, shared his poignant thoughts on the absence of Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land. His sentiments echoed a solemn reality: the decision by churches in the Holy Land to forgo celebrations to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Born in Bethlehem, Ali's connection to the significance of this decision ran deep.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, an ancient sanctuary erected over the grotto believed to cradle Jesus, typically served as the focal point of Christmas festivities. Ali highlighted the shared celebration of Christmas by both Muslims and Christians in Palestine, underscoring its cultural significance.
Interestingly, many biblical sites are nestled in the predominantly Muslim West Bank, showcasing the interwoven history and coexistence of different faiths in the region.
Ali adamantly emphasized that the struggle for Palestine's liberation from Israel was not a religious conflict but a fight against cruelty and oppression. Recounting Israeli attacks that spared no distinction between Muslim or Christian, targeting hospitals and innocent lives, he underscored the unifying essence of their cause against such atrocities.
The ambassador's presence at Bernama's Christmas celebration underscored the significance of global remembrance. Highlighting the absence of Christmas in Palestine, Star Media Group advisor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai urged the world not to forget Palestine during this festive season. Wong resonated the significance by noting the parallelism between Christmas's red and green hues and the colors on the Palestinian flag.
Wong praised Bernama's unwavering commitment in delivering comprehensive news, especially regarding Israel's assaults on Palestine. He emphasized that the gathering was not merely a celebratory event but a testament to Malaysia's enduring support for Palestine, as evidenced by the invitation extended to the Palestinian Ambassador.
In the backdrop of a cheerful Christmas gathering, Wong stressed the importance of not losing sight of the plight faced by the Palestinian people. The event served as a platform to echo solidarity, ensuring that despite the safety in Malaysia, Palestine's anguish remains embedded in the collective consciousness.
In essence, the gathering stood as a poignant reminder of the shared human experience and the need for global unity in the face of adversity. It encapsulated the spirit of Christmas beyond mere festivity, drawing attention to a cause that transcends borders and religious affiliations, emphasizing compassion and support for those enduring strife.
The message was clear: in the absence of celebrations in Palestine, solidarity and remembrance become the strongest symbols of hope and unity.
Reference: No Christmas in the Holy Land, says Palestinian envoy | The Star
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