Fox News: Displaced Palestinian Christians Spend Christmas in Church, First Christmas Celebrated in Syria After Assad Falls

EMANUEL: “For the second year in a row, Christians in Israel and Gaza are celebrating Christmas with a backdrop of war. And this year, unwelcomed news about the status of hostage negotiations. Chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst is in Tel Aviv tonight.”

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YINGST (voice-over): “As war rages on in the Holy Land, there were moments of calm and bright this Christmas. Inside the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Christians gathered to pray overnight at the only Catholic Church inside the enclave, hoping for a better holiday season next year.”

TARZY (via translator): “We were displaced to the Holy Family Church and we are still living inside the church to this day. This is the second Christmas we are experiencing while being displaced in the church. We have been here for nearly a year and two months.”

YINGST (voice-over): “Further north, in the ancient city of Bethlehem, a traditional midnight mass was held, though far fewer people were in attendance this year. At the place where people believe Jesus was born, worshipers gathered at the Church of the Nativity. Neighboring Syria also had Christmas celebrations today, though it was the first time since the fall of the Assad regime earlier this month. And with Islamic rebels now in control of the country, there are questions what life might look like for this minority population.”

DAWOOD (via translator): “Christmas this year, for sure, is not like any other year. There was a lot of changes, a new birth to a new life. There is a lot of cautions, but the life is almost normal.”

YINGST (voice-over): “Tonight also marks the first night of Hanukkah as Jews across Israel gathered to celebrate, though with Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. Families spent the day in hostage square in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of their loved ones.”
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YINGST: “Those families were supposed to light a menorah to mark the first day of Hanukkah, though the event was canceled due to a security threat in the area. Mike?”
EMANUEL: “Trey Yingst in the Holy Land, thanks very much.”