In the nineteenth century Bethlehem became an important magnet for pilgrims arriving from Europe, and this reshaped the town’s life: wool and ceramics industries flourished, among others.
Yet poor economic conditions pushed many of the town’s people to emigrate, and migration has remained part of Bethlehemite family stories ever since.
In a survey of the town’s Christians, 73.3% agreed that the Palestinian Authority treats Christian heritage in the city with respect, while 78% attributed Christian emigration to Israeli restrictions on travel.
Source: “Bethlehem” — Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethlehem
Cover photo: Neil Ward — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
