Baby Jesus’s Identity Called Into Question
As Christmas Eve comes closer, followers around the world have started to prepare their Christmas trees and nativity scenes. While it may be harmless, one particular nativity scene is in the midst of a controversy, We are talking about the Vatican display which depicts baby Jesus wearing a keffiyeh; representative of the Palestinian identity. It was taken down inexplicably; discussions are high as Pope Francis has yet to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Who Designed the Original Nativity Scene?
Pope Francis presented the annual nativity display, titled “Nativity of Bethlehem 2024,” in St. Peter’s Square during the annual exhibition at the Paul VI Hall. It was created by Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi; both from Bethlehem and Dar al-Kalima University.
They designed the baby Jesus made out of olive wood, a Palestinian symbol. It is adorned with mother-of-pearl, stone, ceramic, glass, felt, and fabric. It also includes a Bethlehem Star inscribed in both Latin and Arabic, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to all people.”
What is the Controversy Surrounding Baby Jesus?
In the scene, Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi have included the keffiyeh, cradling Baby Jesus. The act elicited immediate backlash, with some labelling the display a “blasphemous political stunt.” Mitwasi exclaimed that the keffiyeh was a “gift from the Palestinians to the Vatican,” refusing to equate it with religion.
The keffiyeh held significant meaning, given Bethlehem’s role as the birthplace of Jesus and its situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Pope Francis’ Stance on the Gaza Conflict
Pope Francis has condemned the Israeli actions against the besieged Gaza Strip. Moreover, he called for an inquiry into the region’s “genocide.” While inaugurating the nativity scene, he reminded the world of those suffering from the horrors of war in the Holy Land and beyond.
“Enough war, enough violence!” he exclaimed while denouncing the arms industry that benefits from conflict and human suffering. Palestinians, including Christians, have welcomed the gesture from the Vatican spokesperson. “These nativity scenes remind us of those who, in the land where the Son of God was born, continue to endure suffering due to the horrors of war,” he stated.
Faten Nastas Mitwasi on the Keffiyeh
In a statement generated by The New Arab, Faten Nastas Mitwasi says, “This artistic piece embodies the diverse identities of the Palestinian community, both Christians and Muslims, by narrating a local story that unfolded in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, using local materials and national symbols.” She adds, “The keffiyeh represents our cultural legacy, not a symbol of violence. I believe those who perceive it as such should expand their understanding of Palestinian history and culture.
“As a Christian Palestinian, I deserve the liberty to construct my nativity scene and incorporate any Palestinian symbol I deem appropriate.”
Ramzi Khouri Supports the Palestinian President
Ramzi Khouri, a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) executive committee, appreciated President Mahmoud Abbas for the Pope’s unceasing support and the Vatican’s endeavours to safeguard justice and work towards halting the conflict in Gaza.
“The pope’s steadfast advocacy for the Palestinian cause and his relentless efforts to end the violence in Gaza resonate profoundly with our people,” Khouri articulated.
Image Courtesy – Hyperallergic
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