Scenes from Today's 'General Strike' in Bethlehem and Bayt Jala

While the notion that Christmas was ‘cancelled’ in Bethlehem was widely repeated in popular media and struck me as simplistic, the streets today are by contrast very quiet today, and the overwhelming majority of stores in Bethlehem and neighbouring Bayt Jala are shut: the notable exceptions being a bakery, a few stands selling fruits and vegetables, a couple of small convenience stores, some pharmacies, and a stand selling hot beverages in Manger Square. No exceptions have been forthcoming from Western fast-food restaurants such as Domino’s Pizza or Popeye’s, liquor stores and Christian-owned businesses and establishments. Indeed, it was my intention to visit the bookstore at Bethlehem Bible College today- alas, also closed.

The Popeye’s and Domino’s Pizza in Bayt Jala, shut today.

A shut liquor store in the area.

Bethlehem’s quiet old town, though a pharmacy was open in this area.

To the left: a bakery in Bethlehem that is still open today, mainly selling a variety of baked cookies and sweets.