The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was reopened to worshipers and tourists today, as the Palestinian authorities have eased restrictions on the West Bank.
Amid the remaining concerns about the pandemic, access is only allowed to 50 people at a time and those entering must not have fever and have to wear protective masks. The church had been closed since May 5, inflicting damage on the tourism industry in Bethlehem.
“The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, more than 2,000 years ago, gave people hope and, I think, the opening of the church today will give hope to the whole world and the optimism that this pandemic will end – not only in Palestine but in the whole world,” Palestinian Minister of Tourism Rula Maayah told Reuters.
Yesterday, Monday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced that mosques, churches and businesses would reopen today as part of easing the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, given the slow pace of the virus.
“Today is a great Eid for Bethlehem and the faithful,” said Archbishop Theofylaktos of Jordan, Patriarchal Commissioner (head of the Greek Orthodox Church) in Bethlehem.
Source: ANA-MPA
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity Reopens https://t.co/nxakhboksl pic.twitter.com/vpGy06WE4I
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) May 26, 2020