A major controversy erupted recently when a nativity scene at the Vatican depicted baby Jesus wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity. The display, unveiled in St Peter’s Square, sparked criticism from various pro-Israel groups, including Proclaiming Justice to The Nations. Laurie Cardoza-Moore, president of the group, called it an affront to Jesus, the Bible and Christians, especially those in Bethlehem. She emphasised that Jesus was a Jewish figure, born in Bethlehem, and not a Palestinian. She told Pope Francis that the nativity scene misrepresented Jesus' Jewish heritage.
What’s happening at the Vatican?
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) December 12, 2024
Pope Francis meets Mahmoud Abbas, a nativity shows baby Jesus on a Palestinian keffiyeh, and now the Palestinian Authority is opening an embassy there.
Jesus was Jewish—born, lived, and died as a Jew. pic.twitter.com/On4Mj2vb07
The controversy deepened after Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, wrote a strongly-worded letter to Francis. Chikli pointed out that Jesus' birthplace, Bethlehem, was part of Judea, not Palestine, and criticised the nativity scene for aligning with the Palestinian narrative. He explained that Jesus was born to a Jewish mother, lived as a Jew, and died as a Jew, and that the term "Jew" was directly linked to the tribe of Judah. He also traced the term "Palestine" to the Roman Empire's renaming of Judea as "Syria Palaestina" after the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE.
Pope Francis unveiled this year's Nativity scene at the Vatican this week.
— PBS News (@NewsHour) December 13, 2024
The scene was crafted by Palestinian artists from Bethlehem and features Mary, Joseph and Jesus carved out of olive wood, a tree with deep ties to Palestine. Baby Jesus is in a crib lined with a… pic.twitter.com/4XR8swaeZO
Chikli expressed concern over Francis' remarks on the Gaza War, where the pontiff seemed to suggest that Israel's actions in Gaza might be considered genocide. Chikli called the comments dangerous, trivialising the term "genocide," and potentially fuelling harmful narratives against Israel, such as the "blood libel"—an accusation historically used to vilify Jews. He urged Francis to clarify his stance on these issues, given the significant influence the Vatican holds globally.
The Vatican eventually removed the nativity scene after backlash, but the incident highlighted tensions over the portrayal of Jesus and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chikli's letter emphasised the need for careful consideration of the implications of such displays and statements, particularly when they appear to endorse divisive political narratives. He also asked Francis to reaffirm his support for Israel and clarify his position on the ongoing conflict.
