Inside Story

Ongoing plight of Palestinian Christians

Yet again, Israel restricts the movement of Christians as they celebrate Christmas.

Back in 1948, when Israel was established, Christians in Palestine made up around 18 percent of the population. Now it is around two percent only.

They have been faced with the same discriminatory policies as Muslim Palestinians, pushing thousands to leave Palestine. In a 2006 poll, Christians living in Bethlehem said Israeli aggression and occupation was the main cause of emigration.

Inside Story discusses the sufferings of Palestinian Christians under the Israeli occupation.

Presenter: Hazem Sika

Guests:

Samir Qumsieh – founder of Christian television station The Nativity

Leila Sansour – director and producer of the documentary film Open Bethlehem