In the Holy Land, the Christmas spirit pervades the entire country, beyond different religious beliefs: lights, colors and sounds evoke the light that defeats the darkness. In Haifa, in northern Israel, the streets are decorated with all of the lights typical of European or American cities, and all of the communities gather around the Christian feast. JAMAL SHEHADE Greek Catholic Parish of Haifa “Part of the coexistence that we are trying to experience is based on the fact that people can be together, during these days of feasting and celebration. We have celebrations in the streets with the scouts and with Santa Claus. As Christians here in Haifa, we love to share and celebrate Christmas with other people, because we believe that in order to have peace you have to know other people.” MUAD OUDEH Secretary General, Ahmadiyya Mosque—Haifa “We share, we are together and we take part in the celebrations. I think the key issue for us is to reduce tensions and animosity between people. If people are together, they can get to know each other; and if they know each other, they can be opened up to many things from the heart and mind.” This year, Christmas Eve also coincides with the end of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah: the Talmud tells of a menorah that remained lit for eight days to illuminate the Temple and allow its restoration. From this fact, the holiday reminds us of how God brings light to the darkness and brightens the world with light. Hanukkah is a very popular and participatory feast, particularly in Jerusalem, with a spirit that can be likened to the one of the Christian Christmas. YUDIT CHAIKIN Tour guide “It is a celebration of light; it can be the light of the candles or Jesus’ light. These feasts are very connected to what is good, smart. People are excited because they can eat donuts and go out and have fun.” LORRAINE SKUPSKY “With God's help, we hope that there may only be peace and that people may realize that these two holy feasts mean more than just trendiness and consumerism and that we can co-exist.” DONALD SKUPSKY “It is wonderful to be in Jerusalem, which is the city that respects all religions and where all are free to celebrate as they wish.” Read More