Church in Bethlehem to use representative rubble instead of bright lights in Christmas crib
Bethlehem: Even as Christians count the day down to the festival marking the occasion of Jesus Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in the heart of the city has taken everyone by surprise with its bold statement that it opposes the traditional bright lights, festive tree or glittering ornaments used as a part of the celebrations.
In contrast, the Church has opted for a decoration made from debris, a visual representation of the destruction faced by Gaza in the current Israel-Palestine clash this year, reports BNN, pointing out that Bethlehem is a focal point for Christian pilgrims as it is believed to be the birthplace of Christ.
The Church is displaying a heap of concrete debris, at the heart of which is a toy baby. The Christmas display is found to be a poignant representation of an infant caught beneath the rubble, as the scene turns all the more grim, surrounded by broken branches of trees, various icons and candles. The ambiance of the entire scene proves to be a complete contrast to the joyous feel and festive cheer in the usual Christmas cribs.
Spiritual leader of the Church Pastor Munzir Ishak has said that the decision to display wreckage in place of the traditional Christmas décor would, hopefully, prove to be a potent message the world over to maintain solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza. God is present in the pain of the people, regardless of acts of violence and destruction, the Pastor emphasized.
He also said that the situation in Palestine, which he called was a 'genocide war' of targeting all of Palestinians, including the civilians, has already extinguished the festive spirit of Christmas. It is not the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but a mournful reflection on the human cost of conflict, Ishak added.
The message of the Church proves to be both an act of introspection, reminding the congregation of how God takes human companionship in suffering, and an outward message, pointing out to the Christian community across the world about the grim reality of Christmas in Palestine.
The Church of Nativity in the city is open to visitors from all over the world, especially during Christmas. As a representation of optimism and the enduring spirit of the Palestinians in spite of the challenges, an olive sapling has been placed among the debris. The message of hope and peace put forth by Christmas remains unshaken, regardless of the ongoing conflict across borders.
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Man booked for duping 7 persons of Rs 91 lakh on promise of awarding govt works
Mumbai (PTI): The Mumbai police have registered a case against a man for allegedly duping seven persons of Rs 91 lakhs on the promise of awarding them works of different government departments, an official said on Tuesday.
The accused was identified as Satish Kadam, a resident of Nanded in Marathwada region, an official said.
A complaint was filed by Hanumant Vadje, who alleged that the accused cheated him and six others of around Rs 91 lakh by promising to give them various works of Urban Development and Social Justice Department, he said.
The fraud occurred between 2024 and 2026, with Kadam collecting money in cash and into his accounts, police said, adding he had returned some amount to them partially.
Multiple cheques issued by the accused bounced, prompting the victim to lodge a complaint at the Marine Drive police station. Based on the complaint, a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust was registered against him.
The case is under further investigation, the official said.
