Youth release 400 balloons over Bethlehem Christmas eve

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Hundreds of balloons were released into the Bethlehem sky Christmas eve, carrying with them messages of peace and calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine.

Approximately 400 balloons were released in an event organized by the OneVoice movement. Passersby were asked to write their Christmas message on slips of paper attached to the balloon. Each called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.


“Let 2010 be the year to end the occupation and establish a sustainable independent Palestinian state,” read one of the messages. While another urged “internal reconciliation to guarantee Palestinian national aspirations”.This message of peace came on the night when world attention is on the biblical town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, according to the Christian faith.Palestinians say settlements, settler bypass roads, and Israel’s wall have stifled Bethlehem geographically and economically.

According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, only 13% of the land in Bethlehem is actually available for use by its residents. “We are gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who represents love and peace, and is the first martyr for peace as Christians Palestinians believe, therefore we want to send a message of peace to the world on this blessed evening” Said Antwan Saca, a senior youth leader with the OneVoice movement, an organizer of the balloon launch.