Taybeh – Sanad Sahelia / Nabd El-Haya – Taybeh, east of Ramallah, in central West Bank, launched the 2025 edition of its ‘Christmas Nights’ yesterday evening, Thursday, under the theme “Our Christmas Is the Story of a Land”, in an atmosphere blending joy, faith, and national messages. The event drew a large gathering of residents, foreign delegations, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The opening ceremony took place at the Latin (Catholic) Monastery complex and was organized by the Taybeh Clergy Committee, which brings together the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The event highlighted the unity of the town’s three churches and their ongoing cooperation in serving a small yet deeply rooted Christian community.
Clergy Committee Statement: Joy as an Act of Resilience
The evening began with a speech by Father Dahoud Khoury on behalf of the Clergy Committee. He emphasized that this year’s festivities carry a special character thanks to the joint coordination among the three parishes—the Latins, the Greek Orthodox, and the Melkite Greek Catholics. He praised the significant efforts of Taybeh’s youth in preparing a comprehensive program despite the town’s challenging circumstances.
Father Khoury extended a “Palestinian Christian, national, and Christmas greeting from Taybeh,” stressing the importance of preserving joy and bringing smiles to children’s faces amid the pressures of occupation and settler attacks. He concluded by affirming that the Christmas message remains a space of hope and resilience, reflecting Taybeh’s spirit and its rich Christian heritage.
Polish Ambassador’s Address: Solidarity and a Message of Peace
Polish Ambassador to Palestine, Wiesław Kucel, delivered a speech underscoring the deep spiritual connection between Poland and the Holy Land, affirming his country’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for the local Christian community.
He described his presence in Taybeh—the “town linked to the roots of early Christianity”—as an opportunity to highlight the living heritage Palestine offers to the global Christian community. He also noted that the opening of the Nativity grotto in the Latin Church square serves as a “symbol of hope for the entire region.”
Ambassador Koziel addressed the difficult conditions faced by residents, praising the “dignity and resilience of Taybeh’s people in confronting challenges,” and described the presence of the diplomatic corps as a “message of solidarity and friendship with a community enduring the effects of conflict, occupation, and violence against civilians.”
He also referenced the recent ceasefire in Gaza, expressing hope that it might offer civilians, particularly families seeking safety during the Christmas season, a window of relief. The ambassador called on the international community to pursue “peace based on justice, mutual respect, and forgiveness,” citing the words of Saint John Paul II: “Do not be afraid.”
Koziel concluded by expressing hope for the return of tourism and pilgrimage, noting that Polish visitors have long been integral to both the religious and economic life of Palestine. He extended Christmas greetings to Taybeh residents, wishing them a holiday marked by “peace, justice, and dignity.”
Father Bashar Fawadleh: A Theme Born from the Heart of Pain
Father Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Christ the Redeemer Latin Parish, told Nabd Al-Haya that this year’s theme reflects the harsh realities people face daily, while also expressing the town’s resilience and a message of hope emerging from a land that suffers but does not break.
He emphasized that depriving people of their land, their freedom of worship, movement, and dignified life constitutes a violation of a God-given human right, adding that “Our Christmas… Is the Story of a Land” is a voice calling for justice and peace and defending human dignity.
Wide Diplomatic and Official Attendance
The opening drew a broad diplomatic and official presence, including representatives from Poland, the Czech Republic, the U.S. Consulate, Mexico, Finland, Ecuador, the European Union, and German Cooperation. Also present were local clergy, active religious orders, the mayor and members of Taybeh’s municipality, security and police officials, and representatives of church and civic institutions, underscoring the town’s significance in the Palestinian Christian landscape.
Day One Festivities: Prayer, Nativity, Tree, and Music
The evening began with an ecumenical prayer uniting the town’s churches, followed by the inauguration of the Nativity grotto in the Latin Church square and the lighting of the Christmas tree. The Christmas tent, hosting a local bazaar, was then opened, showcasing shops and community initiatives.
Christmas Song Launch
During the opening, the official 2025 Christmas song, “Our Christmas Is the Story of a Land”, was unveiled. Written by Father Bashar Fawadleh and mixed and mastered by Thaer Abdel Karim, the song was performed by singer Ihsan Saadeh and the choir of the Latin Patriarchate School in Taybeh. Recording took place at "The One Studio" and Nabd El-Haya Studio, with direction by Sanad Sahelia. The production was presented by Nabd El-Haya radio and platform.
This was followed by a musical performance by Bayat Band entitled “Your Birth, Peace”, alongside other Christmas carols that created a warm celebratory atmosphere. The audience joined in with applause and singing, and traditional “Barbara” sweets were distributed, reflecting Taybeh’s rich heritage and communal spirit.
Local and Institutional Support
The celebration was supported by several local and institutional sponsors. Taybeh native Salim Aranki served as the event’s diamond sponsor, while the National Bank, represented by Mohammad Hamail, sponsored the ceremony. Additional support came from the Latin Patriarchate, Caritas Jerusalem, Caritas Italy, as well as Wadie Jasser and Najib Khoury, highlighting the commitment of Taybeh’s institutions and residents to fostering cultural, religious, and community initiatives.
With these festivities, Taybeh opened the Christmas season with a clear message: this is a land with a story, and its people continue to tell it with steadfast faith and resilience.