Israeli Christmas Propaganda Campaign Faces Backlash as Social Media Uncovers Contradictions

Controversy Erupts Over Misleading Claims About Christmas Celebrations in the Middle East

A social media post claiming Israel is “the only country in the Middle East” where Christmas can be celebrated has sparked widespread criticism and debate about religious freedom in the region.

Pro-Israeli commentator Eyal Yakoby shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Christmas decorations with the caption: “Christmas in Israel. The only country in the Middle East that you will see this.” The post quickly drew backlash from critics who accused Yakoby of misrepresenting the geography of the region and erasing the experiences of Christian Palestinians living under occupation.

Many respondents pointed out that the footage appears to show Bethlehem, which is located in the occupied West Bank, not within Israel’s internationally recognized borders. Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, stands at the heart of global Christmas traditions and has celebrated the holiday for centuries.

“This is Bethlehem in the West Bank, part of Palestine, that after 2 years, finally gets to celebrate Christmas as it has for centuries well before the creation of the modern zionist state of Israel,” wrote one user in response to Yakoby’s post.

The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations highlighted the recent lighting of the Bethlehem Christmas tree, sharing a message “from the land of Christianity, Palestine and from the town of Jesus, Bethlehem,” wishing “peace upon the world.”

Access to Bethlehem remains controlled through Israeli military checkpoints, with restrictions often intensifying during holiday periods. This has severely impacted the city’s tourism industry, which traditionally relies on seasonal visitors for economic survival.

Critics also challenged the assertion that Israel is unique in the region for allowing Christmas celebrations. Social media users from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt quickly shared evidence of vibrant Christmas festivities in their countries, posting photos and videos of decorated streets, Christmas trees, and public celebrations.

“This week in Amman, Jordan. You know we Arabs have smartphones, right?” wrote Palestinian-American comedian Amer Zahr, alongside photos of elaborate Christmas decorations in Jordan’s capital.

Another user shared footage from Lebanon, writing: “Here’s some footage out of Lebanon that should shred your narrative to pieces.”

Egypt, which is home to the region’s largest Christian population with approximately 10 million Coptic Christians, also features extensive Christmas celebrations. “Christmas vibes r everywhere in Egypt,” wrote one Egyptian user, sharing images of decorated malls and streets.

Christian communities across the Middle East have faced various challenges in recent decades, including political instability, conflict, and in some areas, religious persecution. However, many countries in the region maintain long-established Christian populations that openly celebrate Christmas with public festivities, church services, and cultural traditions.

In Jerusalem, Christian clergy have repeatedly raised concerns about access restrictions during major religious holidays. Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have seen confrontations between worshippers and Israeli security forces, while Christmas access permits for Palestinians from Gaza and parts of the West Bank are routinely limited, preventing many families from gathering for religious observances.

Religious scholars note that Christianity has deep historical roots throughout the Middle East, predating the establishment of modern nation-states in the region by nearly two millennia. The region is home to some of the world’s oldest continuous Christian communities, including various Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant denominations.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedom, historical narratives, and political sovereignty in one of the world’s most contested regions, especially as the Christmas season approaches.