Last January I managed to visit Bethlehem after 5.5 hours of delay and “obstruction” at the Jordan/Palestine border by the Israeli authorities. As well as visiting the (Christian) University of Bethlehem, I also paid a visit to the birthplace of Christ and the place where Christmas originated. At this time of year, it is appropriate to remember just how much the occupants of Bethlehem are affected by the illegal occupation and I am grateful to the Palestinian mission for the following information, which I will present without further comment – it speaks for itself.
Bethlehem is located 10 kilometers to the south of Jerusalem. It has a population of over 220,000 people, including over 20,000 living in three refugee camps (Dheisheh, Aida and Beit Jibrin).
The most important cities and towns of the governorate are Bethlehem City, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, Al Doha, Al Khader, Battir and Artas.
There are two sites in the governorate that have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- The Nativity Church and Star Street (“Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route”).
- Battir, including Wadi’ Makhrour (“Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir”).
Other important heritage and archeological sites located in the governorate are:
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