THE CIVIL COORDINATION DEPARTMENT
Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories
Ministry of Defense, State of Israel

The celebration of Christmas generally occurs on December 24-25 and related festivities are scheduled to take place from December 19, 2013 until January 20, 2014. During this period, many Christians visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem which marks the birthplace of Jesus.

Every year, the Bethlehem DCL coordinates preparations for the holiday period with the Palestinian Authority and other relevant agencies. Additionally, the Civil Administration has implemented a number of measures which will allow for greater access and ease of movement for both Palestinians and foreign tourists during this holiday season.

The Christmas holiday season is of religious as well as economic importance, as the influx of tourists during the season is a major boon to the Bethlehem economy. Last year, approximately 170,000 tourists visited the holy sites during the holiday season.

"We do all that we can in order to enable as many visitors as possible to access the holy sites and tourist locations, as we understand the economic importance of the season" added DCO Head, Lt. Col. Eyal Zaavi. "As representatives of the State of Israel, our job is to ensure the freedom of ceremony and religion to all religions, and during this season, the Christian population will be given the opportunity to visit every site and experience the holiday season in the best way possible."


Official measures for the Christian community during Christmas 2013-14

• Permits will be issued for the Christian holidays, exclusively for members of the Christian community.
• Permits to Israel will be issued with no restriction as to age or marital status. A magnetic card will not be required.
• The permits include an overnight stay.
• Accompanied minors under age 16 will be free to enter without a permit.
• Up to 200 visas will be issued for Jordanian citizens visiting family in the West Bank.
• Permits for up to 500 Christian Palestinian residents from Gaza (under age 16 or above 35, and not under security restriction) will be issued to enter Israel in the West Bank.
• Israeli Arabs will be allowed to enter West Bank cities for the purpose of visiting family, engaging in business, and/or tourism.
• Members of the Christian community will be permitted to pass through the Jalameh crossing until 7:00pm on the following dates:
  
  * Christmas: Christmas: 24 Dec 2013 to 26 Dec 2013
  * New Year: 31 Dec 2013 to 1 Jan 2014
  * Christmas [Orthodox Catholic Church]: 6 Jan 2014 to 8 Jan 2014
  * New Year [Orthodox Catholic Church]: 13 Jan 2014 to 14 Jan 2014

• During the year 2013 (as of November) over 1.1 million tourists visited Bethlehem.
• During the past year nine new hotels have been built in Bethlehem, this is in addition to 44 existing hotels in the city.
• During the Christmas season over 300,000 visitors are expected to visit Bethlehem and the hotels are expected to be in full occupancy.

COGAT and the Civil Administration wish a safe, happy, and fulfilling Christmas holiday to all.