Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud Beytenu) has rejected
a request to put up a Christmas tree at the entrance to Knesset.
MK Hana Sweid (Hadash), who was born to a Christian Arab
family, submitted a request for an official Knesset Christmas tree last week.
Sweid argued that putting a tree up in a highly visible place in Knesset would
show consideration for Christian citizens of Israel and would highlight
Israel’s ties to the Christian world.
Edelstein told Sweid that individual MKs or parties may put
up a tree if they choose to do so, but tha the Knesset will not host a central
Christmas display. “There is nothing preventing you from putting a tree in your
office, or your party could put a tree in the room belonging to its Knesset
faction.
But I do not believe it would be fitting to order a tree put up as per your request,” he informed the MK in a letter.
But I do not believe it would be fitting to order a tree put up as per your request,” he informed the MK in a letter.
In his request last week Sweid said that putting up a tree
would send a message of opposition to “price tag” vandalism targeting Christian
sites.
Sweid had also argued that a tree could have meaning to
Israel Jews as well. Many Israel Jews born overseas put up a tree during the
holidays in their countries of origin, he said.
He was apparently referring to the Russian custom of putting
up a New Year’s tree. The tree is similar to the traditional Christmas tree put
up in many Western countries in appearance, but is not linked to the Christian
holiday.
Last year the city of Jerusalem caused upset when it placed
a Christmas tree at the Jaffa Gate plaza, just outside the Old City. The
hareidi-religious Shas party held a prayer rally to oppose the move.
Jerusalem and the JNF regularly distribute free Christmas
trees in December. The city will distribute trees this year as well, despite
the damage to Israel’s Christmas tree crop in a recent snow storm.
Israel is also seeking to improve the holidays for
Christians by easing security restrictions on PA-controlled territory in Judea
and Samaria, allowing Palestinian Arab Christians to visit family and Christian
holy sites in Israel during the holidays.
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