Скачать или смотреть Christmas tree lit up in Jerusalem’s Old City Christian quarter for first time since Gaza war

(14 Dec 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerusalem - 14 December 2025
1. People cheering and taking photos on their phones as Christmas tree is lit in Jerusalem’s Old City Christian quarter
2. Wide of Christmas tree
3. Mid of people taking photos of tree with their phones, zoom in to star decorations
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Yael Terasiuk:
“We came here to see light, a lot of lights, to see Christmas and Hanukkah (Jewish 'festival of lights'), and to bring, and to photo, and to video the lights in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the city that connects everyone of every culture, every language, every tradition and everyone. And for us, this day is very special, and we hope this day will bring light, not only for Jerusalem and to this place, but to all the world.”
5. People at Jerusalem’s Old City Christian quarter
6. Christmas deer decoration
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Miran Krikorian, restaurant owner:
“We’re super excited and happy, and you can see the festivities after two years of not having any type of festivals or any type of holidays. So, we’re happy and Merry Christmas and all around the world we hope for peace.”
8. People at Jerusalem’s Old City Christian quarter
9. Tilt down Christmas tree to woman taking selfie

STORYLINE:
Jerusalem's Old City was illuminated with a huge Christmas tree and decorative lights Sunday for first time since the Gaza war.

The festivities in the Old City's Christian quarter drew large crowds who came to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

People walked under rows of twinkling lights, and decorated cafes were filled with people on Sunday night.

"Jerusalem is the city that connects everyone of every culture, every language, every tradition and everyone. And for us, this day is very special, and we hope this day will bring light, not only for Jerusalem and to this place, but to all the world," said Yael Terasiuk.

Jerusalem holds deep religious significance for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike.

Jerusalem includes the holiest ground in Judaism, the third-holiest shrine in Islam and major Christian sites linked to the life of Jesus.

The traditional Christmas tree lighting in Jerusalem's Old City is usually annual but was paused for the last two years due to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

“We’re super excited and happy, and you can see the festivities after two years of not having any type of festivals or any type of holidays. So, we’re happy and Merry Christmas and all around the world we hope for peace," said restaurant owner Miran Krikorian.



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