So those celebrating Christmas mass are fewer in number than they were a decade ago. And what might the reason for that be? Might it be because they are subjected to continual persecution at the hands of the PA since 1995?:

The plight of Bethlehem’s Christians under the PA’s thuggery has, however, drawn outrage from Christian organizations worldwide. The mainstream Protestant churches in America, however, have been too busy with their divestment campaigns to take the notice of the plight of Christians living under the Palestinian Authority’s tribalism.

Indeed, just this week, the Vatican, in a rare diplomatic move, called publicly on the Israelis to intervene in Bethlehem on behalf of its severely receding Christian population. Now totaling less than 12% of Bethlehem’s population, Christians, who have been the targets of continual PA violence, might leave entirely. The result will be that in the place where Jesus was born there will no longer be a Christian community.

But the numbers are better this year? Why is that AP?:

Israel and the Palestinians agreed to a cease-fire in February, bringing a sharp slowdown in fighting. Some 218 Palestinians and 55 Israelis have been killed this year, compared to nearly 800 Palestinian and 112 Israeli deaths in 2004.

And Israel's security fence had nothing to do with that?:

The separation barrier prevented tourists from walking into town on the biblical-era route likely used by Jesus and Mary. Instead, they entered through an Israeli checkpoint.

“The wall has got to go. It’s a wall of shame. Jesus is a uniter not a divider,” said James Elsman, a 69-year-old lawyer from Detroit, a placard saying “Trust Jesus” draped over his shoulders.

And killing terrorist leaders didn't either?

Sabbah, speaking at St. Catherine’s Church, adjacent to the traditional birthplace of Jesus, also called for an end to Israel’s killing of Palestinian militants, saying the practice has failed to improve security or halt the cycle of violence.

It looks like the AP covered all its angles. It's the ceasefire and none of Israel's security measures that has made Bethlehem safer this year. Oh and what does the Pope have to say:

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI offered a Christmas prayer for peace in the Holy Land.

“On this night, when we look toward Bethlehem, let us pray in a special way for the birthplace of our Redeemer and for the men and women who live and suffer there,” the pope said. “We wish to pray for peace in the Holy Land.”

Beautiful. Has any other Church official had anything to say about Bethlehem?:

Father Artemio Vitores, who supervises the holy places in Israel and the Palestinian Authority for the Vatican, recently and publicly, asked Israel’s President Moshe Katsav, “Help us keep Bethlehem.” This appeal represents a sharp and desperate change in Vatican politics. The Vatican has long feared offending the Palestinians far more than offending Israel.

Somehow that wasn't in the AP article.

From personal experience I'd also like to deplore the lack of religious freedom currently permitted in Bethlehem. Almost three years ago my family and I were able to visit the tomb of Rachel, an ancient Jewish shrine. We could only go in a bulletproof bus. We were rushed from the bus to the building never exposed to the outside. And the building is now enclosed in another one to fortify it from attack. But we understand that the reason for these actions is not some arbitrary decision by Israel. No they're responses to PA organized and tolerated violence.

So too is the wall. So too are the targeted killings.

Unfortunately the AP and the many PA apologists it interviewed change the subject and find more reasons to fault Israel.

Technorati Tags: Palestinian Authority, Israel, Bethlehem.

Crossposted on Israpundit and Soccer Dad.