Christmas decoration in the Old City of Jerusalem on December 13. 2016. (Sebi Berens/Flash90)
The Jerusalem Municipality will distribute 150 Christmas trees to the city’s Christian residents on December 21, the city said Wednesday.
The distribution of trees is an annual tradition, part of the city’s marking of the Christian holiday each year.
According to the statement, the municipality’s Christmas preparations include “hanging festive lighting and flags in areas of the city where the holiday is celebrated. These neighborhoods include: the Old City’s Christian Quarter, Beit Hanina, and main thoroughfares for pilgrims, such as the Mar-Elias road.”
The municipality said it had also increased rounds by municipal cleaning and landscaping crews in areas near churches. East Jerusalem residents often complain of unfair distribution of city services.
A man dressed up as Santa Clause walk in Jaffa gate at Jerusalem’s Old City, a few days before Christmas. December 20, 2016. (Flash90)
“Additionally, the Municipal Licensing Department is working closely with the Christian residents of the Old City to accelerate approvals and provide assistance for holiday fairs and celebrations in the Christian Quarter,” the city said.
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