India-Israeli relations have been improving, with many Indian ministers coming on tours and trade missions. Serious, real big guns have been contracted by India from Israeli defense systems.

Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Hanukkah greetings in Hebrew and English and received a friendly response from the PM of Israel.  And now there are serious rumors that India will start thinking about voting at the UN and not auto-like “Palestine” on all votes.

All of that is very good news in Israel. While Hanukkah is almost over, other religious celebrations are getting started. It is the season to be jolly.

To help holiday celebrants, the Israeli tourism Ministry has announced it will provide free 24-hour shuttle transport between Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.

Australian ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer did a “Peace Run” with the last lap from Bethlehem to Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate. Farmer knows how short a distance it really is, he did not have to sit in traffic like the rest of us.

image Indian workers in Santa hats at Jaffa Gate

Recently, 1500 Indians working in Israel, also walked the route. They gathered at Jaffa Gate, next to the Walls of the Old City, and on a sunny Saturday afternoon set out for the church in Bethlehem.

image Santa hats in Israel

All wearing red caps and some in red Santa costumes with really sad looking white beards, they saw for themselves just how short a distance

Kevin 1ic

it was to get to Bethlehem,

image flag of India

and proudly wave the flag of India. Now they can share the truth back home. Bethlehem, no matter how far ‘West Bank’ sounds, compared to distances in India, can be just a pleasant walk away.

If we can just get the truth and these good vibes to start spreading. Across Syria and Iraq, and elsewhere churches are being demolished, but in Israel people can dress as Santas and march freely through the streets or even get an offer of free public transportation.

Photo credit: Kevin D.

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