The West Bank city of Bethlehem is Jesus’ birth place. Its economy relied heavily on tourism in the past, but the apartheid wall has nearly killed that industry and forced its citizens into poverty. Because of this, Hamas donated $50,000 to the city last year during Christmas. However, since Hamas and its charities have been outlawed in the West Bank by President Abbas (Israeli puppet and Fatah leader), Bethlehem and many other citizens in the West Bank will not be able to count on the support they so desperately need.

British graffiti artist Banksy has made the plight of these Palestinians more visible by painting six new images on buildings and on the apartheid wall in Bethlehem just before Christmas. He has also converted a fast food restaurant, opposite Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, into an art gallery to display the works of Palestinian and international artists. The pieces will be auctioned off, and all proceeds will be donated to local charities.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Banksy’s work, I have him linked under the Artist section in the left column.