Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Mahnoor Ahmad Photo courtesy of her website at AhmadforCongress.com
    Muslim American woman challenges unresponsive Congressman Sean Casten in March 19 Democratic primary Activism
  • Committee to Protect Journalists website. Number of journalists killed in Gaza war now 50
    More than 50 journalists killed in Israel-Gaza war Arab World
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    On World Children’s Day, Israel has turned Gaza into a Graveyard for Children: American Arabs
  • Jewish Defense League members participated in the Washington D.C. rally supporting Israel Nov. 15, 2023. Photo courtesy of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
    Doctors Without Borders condemns deliberate deadly attack on convoy of staff and family members in Gaza Arab World
  • Palestinian protest land grabs by Israel's government from Palestinian Christians and Muslims. Photo courtesy of Peace Now
    Peace Now: Attempt for the Establishment of a New Settlement in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City Arab World
  • Palestinians walk around buildings destroyed during the Israeli bombardment in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on October 29. (Photo: AP/Hatem Moussa)
    CPJ expresses grave concern over 4th communications blackout in Gaza Arab World
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    Arab American Comedy Festival, 209th Anniversary National Tour returns to New York roots American Arabs
  • The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and nearly 100 human rights, civil rights and civil liberties, immigrant rights, faith based organizations, and ADC’s Volunteer TPS/DED Lawyers Working Group sent a request to Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging them to designate Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Palestinians present in the United States.  
    Nearly 100 Organizations Join ADC in Demanding TPS/DED for Palestinians American Arabs
  • Jewish Defense League members participated in the Washington D.C. rally supporting Israel Nov. 15, 2023. Photo courtesy of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
    Terrorist groups involved at pro-Israel demonstration in Washington D.C. American Arabs
  • Doctors without Borders calls for end to Israeli attacks targeting hospitals in Gaza Strip. Nov. 11, 2023
    Patients and medical staff trapped in hospitals under fire in Gaza Arab World
  • Attorney Sarah Gad
    2024 election battle among Arab Americans shaping up in Ilhan Omar’s Minnesota congressional district American Arabs
  • Palestinian civilians flee their homes as Israel continues its savage bombing and missile attacks against homes, neighborhoods and buildings destroying most of the buildings in most of the Gaza's cities. Photo courtesy of Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights
    US Congress: Reject Bill to Support Forced Israeli Displacement of Palestinians to Third Countries  American Arabs
  • RMS Titanic departing Southampton on April 10, 1912. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia and Francis Godolphin Osbourne Stuart - http://www.uwants.com/viewthread.php?tid=3817223&extra=page%3D1
    Arabs on Titanic: Arabs share the pain but not the glory in ship’s tragic tale American Arabs
  • MedGlobal humanitarian appeal for Gaza violence victims
    Bombing of Al Ahli hospital in Gaza worst attack on healthcare this century  American Arabs
  • IDF soldiers and Israeli settlers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Israeli Academic Institutions Persecute Palestinian Students for Social Media Posts Amid Offensive on Gaza Christian & Muslim

O Little Town of Who Cares?

Posted on December 28, 2014September 24, 2018 By rayhanania No Comments on O Little Town of Who Cares?
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

By Ray Hanania

rayhananiacolumnbox1Every Christmas, I always hear the same conflicting arguments.

On the one hand, people tell me, “Stop saying ‘Happy Holidays.’ It’s ‘Merry Christmas’. If you don’t like it, move.”

The point being that they presumably are proud of being Christian. And, since Christmas is a Christian holiday, they want people to acknowledge it directly and not bury it in a more generic greeting that is sensitive to the non-Christians who also live in America.

Yet, at the same time, these same “Christians” who insist on saying “Merry Christmas,” don’t really care for their Christian brethren who live under Israeli occupation in Bethlehem.

American Christians seem to care. At Christmas time, they place pictures of Bethlehem and icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary throughout their homes. They even sing hymnals to the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, in songs like “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

I can just hear the inspiring melody in just saying the words.

Pope Francis passing by Israel’s Wall on his way to a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Francis called the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate “unacceptable” as he landed Sunday in Bethlehem (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

But why do they do all of this? Because they care about Christians and are committed to their faith? Or, because it makes it easier to justify the wasteful and excessive spending driven by the true spirit of Christmas, the American economy. Buying power. Spending power. Money. Dollars. Discounts. Sales. Christmas presents.

Christmas isn’t about Christianity any more. It’s about making a fast buck by selling junk. You don’t give someone a present to commemorate the birth of Jesus. You do it because you have been conditioned by years of socialization to associate the spending of your money with the winter holiday sales season.

This isn’t Christmas. This is wrapping paper. Holiday cards with cute, hackneyed cliches and meaningless expressions.

We want to be warm and fuzzy, and get lots of presents. So who cares if Israeli soldiers are jack-booting Christians out of their homes and lands in Bethlehem?

I’m Christian. Probably more Christian than most. My ancestors are Jewish Christians from Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We trace our ancestors to Biblical times, and to Jesus, who I like to joke, is my cousin. After all, we’re from the same town. O Little Town of Bethlehem.

My family owns land in Bethlehem in what is today called the West Bank — almost nine acres, or 33 dunam, using the old land-measuring system. But in the 1970s, Israel destroyed the home on my family’s Bethlehem land, destroyed the little farm, destroyed the road and sealed the water well so that they could build Gilo.

Right now, my land is nestled in the Gilo “shoehorn” in the valley under the new homes that have been built for Jewish-only residents.

Such is the fate of being a Christian these days.

Doesn’t matter that my ancestors were Jews who converted to Christianity to follow the teachings of Jesus, who was a Jewish Rabbi and the founder of the Christian Church. He died in Jerusalem, where my father’s family lived and where Christians are also being expelled from their lands and homes.

In fact, in 1948, my dad’s family was expelled from their home in West Jerusalem. They weren’t Jewish. They were Christians. They lived in a refugee camp for a few years in Jordan until my father, living in Christian America, could help bring them to Chicago.

To me, as a true Christian, this “holiday season” is shameful.

It’s not about Jesus. It’s not about Christianity. It’s not about justice, righteousness or even turning the other cheek. It’s about one big lie.

Christianity for some Americans is just an excuse to brow beat someone else, especially if that someone else isn’t a Christian at all.

Americans are probably the most anti-Semitic people on the planet. They have always hated Jews. It’s just that they hate Muslims more today, so they tolerate Jews, as long as they don’t live in their neighborhoods, and move to Israel. Which is the reason why so many probably support Israel.

Wasn’t it America that turned away Jewish immigrants fleeing the persecution of European Christians, called Nazis, during World War II, forcing them to go to Palestine? There was no way they were going to allow a massive influx of Jewish people into America. Not if the politicians of that era could help it.

Why do you think it took so long for America to enter the war against Nazi Germany? It took a Japanese surprise attack that wasn’t really that much of a surprise — well, it was expected, anyway — more than two years after World War II began for America to enter the war.

My dad and his brother fought in that war against the Nazis, in the U.S. 5th Army and in the U.S. Navy. They were proud to be Americans. And, they were proud to be true Christians.

Something you don’t find much of these days today in America.

God bless you, Tiny Tim. At least you got that big turkey!

Ray Hanania is an award-winning Palestinian American columnist managing editor of The Arab Daily News at www.TheArabDailyNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @RayHanania. To find out more about Ray Hanania and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2014 CREATORS.COM

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • Hostages versus Prisoners: Israel war on Gaza is as much a war on weaponizing words - December 1, 2023
  • Muslim American woman challenges unresponsive Congressman Sean Casten in March 19 Democratic primary - November 21, 2023
  • More than 50 journalists killed in Israel-Gaza war - November 21, 2023

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Israel, Palestine & Jordan, Ray Hanania, Spotlight Tags:abandoned Christians, American Christians, Arab Christians, Bethlehem, Christians, Christmas, Holy Land, Jesus, lost faith, Manger Square, Middle East, Nazareth, Palestinian Christians, Star of Bethlehem

Post navigation

Previous Post: ISIS will not negotiate with Jordan to free captured pilot.
Next Post: Breathing in a new life in 2015 and Exhaling 2014 with a Deep Sigh

Related Posts

  • Attacked by Israeli soldiers and armed Israeli settler terrorists, Palestinians respond with protests and rock throwing in the Gaza Strip. Photo copyright 2015 Mohammed Asad and The Arab Daily News
    How “Trump-Muslims” debate chokes Palestine rights American Arabs
  • No to Judge Gorsuch and No to Evil Designs of McConnell Commentary
  • Gas station image gasoline pump. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Arab gas station owners targeted in futile Lightfoot stunt to stop street gang violence Activism
  • Daily Kos Censorship and Apartheid Israeli Style Arab World
  • June 8, 1967, USS LIBERTY mess deck becomes a hospital. Photo courtesy the USS Liberty Association
    DOD says truth on Niger more important than USS Liberty American Arabs
  • Holy Christian Ecumenical Foundation forges coalition to Help Holy Land Christians Activism

More Related Articles

Saudi Human Rights Commission details efforts to end violence against women Arab World
The Quintessential Mustache: Facial Hair in Turkish Politics Abdennour Toumi
Israeli WMD Whistleblower Vanunu Mordechai Tweets Appeal Unto Caesar Arab World
Land Day report shows worsening discrimination in Israel Arab World
Born in N.Y.C. in 1954, Eileen Fleming was an apolitical privileged American before the events of 11 September 2001. That day we call 911 was the catalyst that led to eight investigative journeys to Israel Palestine and the realization of her childhood dream of becoming a reporter, which is documented in "Beyond Nuclear: Mordechai Vanunu's FREEDOM of SPEECH Trial and My Life as a Muckraker 2005-2010." In 2012, Eileen ran for US HOUSE of Representatives and in 2013, became Senior Non-Arab Correspondent for USA's The Arab Daily News/TADN. In 2015, Eileen became the Health Reporter for TADN. Deactivated Facebook, LOA from TADN, Rescue Dogs and Serenity Bloggers
Colin Kaepernick- San Francisco vs Green Bay 2012 Courtesy of Wikipedia Colin Kaepernick’s and the NFL’s selfish disrespect for America Arab News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • A child stands in front of an apartment building bombed by Israeli using an American made 2000 pound bomb.
    Hostages versus Prisoners: Israel war on Gaza is as much a war on weaponizing words
    December 1, 2023
  • Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
    Americans rally to support Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib targeted by Islamophobic racism
    November 8, 2023
  • Palestinian parent and child seek refuge as American sanction terrorism by Israel spreads through Gaza Strip Oct 2023
    Some American legislators stand up for justice and against all violence
    October 15, 2023
  • Map of the Gaza Strip, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Israel-Palestine conflict as much about American hypocrisy as it is about violence
    October 11, 2023

Events

  • Sonia Khalil hosts fundraiser for candidacy in the 36th state House District
    Sonia Khalil hosts fundraiser for candidacy in the 36th state House District
    20 Dec 23
    Orland Park
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host candidates brunch Feb. 18, 2024
    Arab American Democratic Club to host candidates brunch Feb. 18, 2024
    18 Feb 24
    Bridgeview
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Palestinians walk around buildings destroyed during the Israeli bombardment in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on October 29. (Photo: AP/Hatem Moussa)
    CPJ expresses grave concern over 4th communications blackout in Gaza
    November 18, 2023
  • Racist grafitti a Palestinian Cultural Center for Peace and Boston Islamic Seminary, one of a wave of acts of racism targeting Arabs and Muslims in the wake of Israel's war crimes in Gaza October 2023
    CAIR-MA Calls for Hate Crime Probe of ‘Nazi’ Vandalism Targeting Boston Palestinian, Islamic Sign
    October 11, 2023
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • 250-x-250-Ziyad-banner-Ad.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Mahnoor Ahmad Photo courtesy of her website at AhmadforCongress.com
    Muslim American woman challenges unresponsive Congressman Sean Casten in March 19 Democratic primary
    November 21, 2023
  • Committee to Protect Journalists website. Number of journalists killed in Gaza war now 50
    More than 50 journalists killed in Israel-Gaza war
    November 21, 2023
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    On World Children’s Day, Israel has turned Gaza into a Graveyard for Children:
    November 20, 2023
  • Jewish Defense League members participated in the Washington D.C. rally supporting Israel Nov. 15, 2023. Photo courtesy of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
    Doctors Without Borders condemns deliberate deadly attack on convoy of staff and family members in Gaza
    November 19, 2023
grab450

Recent Posts

  • Hostages versus Prisoners: Israel war on Gaza is as much a war on weaponizing words
  • Muslim American woman challenges unresponsive Congressman Sean Casten in March 19 Democratic primary
  • More than 50 journalists killed in Israel-Gaza war
  • On World Children’s Day, Israel has turned Gaza into a Graveyard for Children:
  • Doctors Without Borders condemns deliberate deadly attack on convoy of staff and family members in Gaza
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme