Скачать или смотреть WEST BANK: BETHLEHEM: PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

(19 Dec 1996) Natural Sound

With only five days to go until Christmas, preparations are underway in Bethlehem - the West Bank town where the Bible says Jesus was born nearly two-thousand years ago.
But this year's celebrations have a very modern feel with all the trappings of a Western Christmas - including a visit from Santa Claus on Thursday.

A toy Santa Claus welcomes visitors to Bethlehem.

On Thursday the model Father Christmas was joined by a group of Palestinian policemen dressed up as Santa Claus.

They made a surprise appearance as Palestinian boy scouts rehearsed for their Christmas Day parade.

There were no complaints from the children.

They were happy to take advantage of the chance to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.

Christmas decorations have also been put up around the city.

But some of Bethlehem residents claim the Palestinian authority can't afford to celebrate this year.

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