BEIT SAHOUR, near Bethlehem – Since Israel re-opened its borders in March following the COVID lockdowns, tourists have been flooding back. This influx is helping many areas, especially around Bethlehem this time of year, although another issue is facing this local Christian community.
Even with a boom of visitors, Beit Sahour and Bethlehem are suffering. Christians have been leaving Palestinian Authority-controlled areas in great numbers for decades.
“The future of the Christians here is gloomy. The ongoing emigration is a big problem to us,” said Samir Qumsieh, General Manager of Al Mahd “Nativity” TV Station.
It’s unclear exactly how many people have left in the last 20 years although al-Hayek believes at least 20,000 now live in Chile and the US. That’s a big number considering the current population is around 15,000 – 80 percent Christian and 20 percent Muslim.
Source: CBN - Telegram