"Gaza City The Holy Family Church in Gaza has lit its Christmas tree for the first time after two years of Israel's genocidal war on the Strip. It is Christmas Eve mass, and the worshippers have packed the main prayer hall. Many of them are excited and happy not just because it is Christmas but because they are still alive."
"The glow of lights on the big Christmas tree and holiday decorations could not hide the harsh reality left by the war on Gaza. The church decided to limit the celebrations to a prayer service and brief family gatherings, but the bells rang loud, and that alone filled people with joy. The Christmas tree is lit at the church in Gaza during prayers, with celebrations subdued due to the conditions in the Strip [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]"
"We fled to the church seeking safety at the time, but it turned out there was no safe place, Boulos said. The church was hit twice while we were inside, and we lost friends and loved ones during that period. Nothing had any taste at all, he recalled. There was immense fear and grief for those we lost. How can we celebrate when everything around us is wounded and sad?"
"Boulos hopes this Christmas and the new year will bring an end to all the suffering and lift restrictions on Gaza. We are trying to make ourselves and our children feel that what's coming will be better, even though the reality is extremely hard, he said. We hope things will return to how they were before. The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic parish in Gaza, has long held symbolic importance beyond the Strip."
The Holy Family Church in Gaza lit its Christmas tree for the first time in two years amid Israel's genocidal war on the Strip. Worshippers packed the main prayer hall for Christmas Eve mass, but celebrations were limited to a prayer service and brief family gatherings as decorations could not mask the war's devastation. Bells rang and lights offered moments of joy for people grateful to be alive. Many residents were displaced; 58-year-old Dmitri Boulos described being sheltered in the church when it was hit twice and losing friends. Some expressed hopes the new year will end suffering and lift Gaza's restrictions. The Holy Family Church is the only Catholic parish in Gaza with symbolic importance beyond the Strip.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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