Christian Attitudes

Link: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/659837.html

Israel will ease access to Bethlehem during the upcoming Christmas celebrations in a "calculated risk" intended to let Christian pilgrims worship the holiday freely in the West Bank town, security officials said Monday.

There are good reasons for the security arrangements, which will be eased for the convenience of Christian visitors and local people alike from December 24 until Armenian Christmas on January 18. Of course, it would also make things more convenient for any terrorists who want to attack.

But Feigel said the quiet in Bethlehem is misleading, and security threats continue. Half of the Israeli fatalities in 2004 came from attackers who entered Jerusalem from Bethlehem, he said.

On Thursday, a car bomb was found on a road used by West Bank settlers traveling between Jerusalem and the Bethlehem area. Palestinian police alerted Israeli security to the car, and Israeli sappers blew it up safely

Christian media outlets still amplify the whining noises of various Church leaders, who in turn are merely using this as an opportunity to repeat dishonest Palestinian propaganda and try to stir up prejudice against the Jews. For example: Bethlehem visitor drive thwarted by road blocks, containing the usual complaints that Bethlehem is an open-air prison. Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, joins in:

“The town of Jesus Christ’s birth is experiencing serious hardship. The severe loss of tourist income on which Bethlehem depends and increasing difficulties of access to holy sites are contributing to emigration, notably of Christian families,” said the Cardinal.

(For the truth about this situation, see below)

Will they now publish information about the easing of restrictions? Will the complaining Church leaders publicly express their gratitude to Israel for risking the lives of its citizens, just so that Christians can enjoy an easier journey to church? Don’t hold your breath.

If terrorists take advantage of the kindness of the Israelis, and carry out an attack, will people like Bishop Sabbah and Cardinal Murphy O’Connor apologise for having helped enable the terrorists? Will they admit that they made a mistake? Again, don’t hold your breath.