Brussels – Ambassador Amira Hanania, the representative of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Europe, participated in the opening of the Exhibition “The Maltese Crib: Art, Faith and Tradition” at the European Parliament, hosted by Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Alex Aguis Saliba.
In her address, Hanania shed light on the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Holy Land under Israeli occupation She underscored the persistent violations, including the illegal expansion of settlements, continuous acts of aggression, and the genocide in Gaza, all of which threaten the historical, cultural, and religious identity of the Holy Land.
As Christmas draws near, Hanania stressed the profound message of peace and love that this season embodies, especially amid the tragic circumstances faced by the Palestinian people. She pointed out that, for the second consecutive year, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, has been deprived of the festive joy of Christmas. The city’s celebrations remain confined to religious rituals, with the Christmas tree left unlit, as the Palestinian people continue to endure relentless suffering due to the ongoing Israeli massacre and atrocities.
Ambassador Hanania expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Saliba for his kind invitation and his continued efforts to strengthen solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause. She hoped that this exhibition, which brings to life the nativity story and the Holy Family, would serve as a constant reminder of the suffering endured by Palestinians, particularly Christians, due to the ongoing Israeli occupation.
The event was attended by numerous diplomatic and parliamentary figures, with the Maltese Crib showcasing the rich art and heritage associated with Christmas, framed within a spiritual context that reflects the true message of Christmas.
