# Bethlehem · 23 December 2011 > Photos and videos from Bethlehem on 23 December 2011. ## Facts - **What:** Bethlehem · 23 December 2011 (News story) - **Where:** [Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/location/bethlehem), [Israel](https://apa.atyaf.co/location/israel) - **When:** 2011-12-22 – 2011-12-23 - **Media:** 31 photos, 0 videos, 0 rushes - **Credit:** © apaimages / Issam Rimawi - **Licensing:** Editorial licenses on request: https://apa.atyaf.co/pricing (sales@apa.atyaf.co). Previews are watermarked. - **Canonical URL:** https://apa.atyaf.co/story/bethlehem-2011-12-23 - **Last updated:** 2026-10-20T21:06:56+00:00 - **Arabic version:** https://apa.atyaf.co/ar/story/bethlehem-2011-12-23 ## Media in this story - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025308) — APA-PH-2011-025308 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 22 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025309) — APA-PH-2011-025309 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011 as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on December 25. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025310) — APA-PH-2011-025310 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011 as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on December 25. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025311) — APA-PH-2011-025311 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Palestinian Christian ride camels front a Christmas tree placed in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011 as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on December 25. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025312) — APA-PH-2011-025312 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 22 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025313) — APA-PH-2011-025313 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025314) — APA-PH-2011-025314 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 22 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025315) — APA-PH-2011-025315 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025320) — APA-PH-2011-025320 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025321) — APA-PH-2011-025321 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025322) — APA-PH-2011-025322 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025323) — APA-PH-2011-025323 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025324) — APA-PH-2011-025324 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 22, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025325) — APA-PH-2011-025325 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 22 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Children release balloons during an annual Christmas peace rally at Manger Square,](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025328) — APA-PH-2011-025328 · photo · 2011-12-22 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Children release balloons during an annual Christmas peace rally at Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity, the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem December 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025341) — APA-PH-2011-025341 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025343) — APA-PH-2011-025343 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025344) — APA-PH-2011-025344 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian carver works on wooden figurines at the Giacaman Olive Wood factory next to the Church](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025345) — APA-PH-2011-025345 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian carver works on wooden figurines at the Giacaman Olive Wood factory next to the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025346) — APA-PH-2011-025346 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025347) — APA-PH-2011-025347 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025348) — APA-PH-2011-025348 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi A Palestinian wood carver works on a nativity figurines are stored in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Palestinian women walk front of shop to sell a nativity figurines are made in an olive wood factory](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025349) — APA-PH-2011-025349 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Palestinian women walk front of shop to sell a nativity figurines are made in an olive wood factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, ahead of Christmas,Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi Photo - [An Israeli soldier pushes back a demonstrator dressed as Santa Claus and holding a Palestinian flag](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025380) — APA-PH-2011-025380 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi An Israeli soldier pushes back a demonstrator dressed as Santa Claus and holding a Palestinian flag during a protest against the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank village of al-Masara near Bethlehem December 23, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [An Israeli soldier pushes back a demonstrator dressed as Santa Claus and holding a Palestinian flag](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025381) — APA-PH-2011-025381 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi An Israeli soldier pushes back a demonstrator dressed as Santa Claus and holding a Palestinian flag during a protest against the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank village of al-Masara near Bethlehem December 23, 2011. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025400) — APA-PH-2011-025400 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 23, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025407) — APA-PH-2011-025407 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 23, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025408) — APA-PH-2011-025408 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 23 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025409) — APA-PH-2011-025409 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 23 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025410) — APA-PH-2011-025410 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on December 23, 2011, as Christian pilgrims started gathering in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ to attend the Christmas midnight mass. . Photo by Issam Rimawi - [Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem](https://apa.atyaf.co/photo/APA-PH-2011-025411) — APA-PH-2011-025411 · photo · 2011-12-23 · Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory · © APA Images / Issam Rimawi Christian pilgrims visit the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on 23 December 2011 as Christian pilgrims start gathering in the church belived to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ to celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Photo by Issam Rimawi