Waving a Palestinian flag, Santa Claus came to see Gaza children Thursday for the first time since the uprising against Israeli occupation began six years ago.
Schoolchildren sang Arabic and English renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night" and an original "Welcome, Welcome Santa Claus" to the tune of "Happy Birthday" as Santa paraded around their playground.From a wooden cart drawn by a white horse draped with red cloth and festooned with balloons, he distributed plastic bags with candy and stationery to the Latin Patriarchate School's 1,100 pupils. Only 150 are Christians and the rest Muslims.
For Gaza City's Christians, a tiny minority of 3,300 in a town of 292,000 people, Christmas has been quietly celebrated with Mass and dinner at home since the Palestinian uprising began in December 1987.
Families hid trees in children's bedrooms behind thick curtains for fear the blinking lights would offend Muslim militants, who consider such displays offensive at a time of sacrifices in the revolt against occupation.
This year, Christians in Gaza City plan modest celebrations, encouraged by the Sept. 13 accord between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and its promise of peace.
"The agreement has encouraged us to give a party for the first time in six years. The accord gave us hope for peace and freedom," said Father Jalil Awwad, head of the school and pastor of the Latin Family Church.
Basil Farah, 12, explained Santa's decision to finally show up differently.
"Santa Claus was afraid of stone-throwing before," said Farah. "He must be armed to dare come here this year."