The sad Christmas in Bethlehem: Covid stops the arrival of tourists in the Holy Land

JERUSALEM – Like every year in December, Now Anis Kassissieh, known as the “official” Santa Claus of Jerusalem, brings a breath of Christmas atmosphere with a Middle Eastern flavor through the centuries-old streets of the Old City, stopping to be photographed by passers-by on the back of his camel.

Kassissieh who boasts a degree from the “School of Santas” Charles W.