Earlier this month, Ma'ariv published a letter allegedly written by Irineos to Arafat, containing anti-Semitic statements against Jews and Israel. Irineos claimed the letter was a forgery and filed a complaint with the police on the matter

By Arnon Regular, Ha'aretz Correspondent, Jan 10, 2002

Even though Baptist Missionary Mike Edens may worry that he became a target of anti-American violencee, he would not leave his post: "It's much wiser and safer to be obedient to God and do his work than to do otherwise."

PAUL RICHTER, Los Angeles Times, Jan 3, 2003

"There are so few Christian visitors it was even possible to get a room at the last moment at Christ Church's hostel and St. Andrews Scottish Hospice, favorites of Christian tourists".
Patricia Golan writes about Christmas in the Jerusalem Baptist church. The Church gives a special tribute to Filipino workers in Israel who were part of a candlelight evening.

By Patricia Golan, Baptist Press, Dec 31, 2002

Suspected Islamic extremist opens fire in Jibla Baptist hospital with Kalashnikov, kills three US Citizens.

The US Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, based in Richmond, Virginia, was reportedly preparing to transfer control of the hospital to a local Yemeni charity

Baptist Press, Dec 30, 2002

I only pray in my room," a Roman Catholic laborer from Sri Lanka told AP.
In Riyadh AP quoted a shop keeper as as saying that the ever-vigilant religious police have confiscated even Christmas cards

By Stefan J. Bos, ASSIST News Service, Dec 25, 2002

In recent years, small numbers of Israeli Jews have begun celebrating Christmas, putting up lights in shops and even trees in homes. Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau warned that such observances threaten the identity of the Jewish state.

By The Associated Press, Dec 25, 2002

For seven years now, Radio Bethlehem 2000 has provided live audio coverage of the traditional Christmas Eve parade, Christmas Eve Carols from Manger Square and Midnight Mass from the birth-place of Jesus Christ.

At 3:30 pm, on December 23, Israeli soldiers arrived at the Arrart building that houses the radio station on its fourth floor and ordered everyone outside. No explanation was given.

By Daoud Kuttab, Special For Come and See, Dec 24, 2002

According to archaeologists and Bible Scholars, the ancient bathhouse unearthed beneath a Nazareth souvenir shop owned by Elias Shama dates back to Crusader times and is not, as the shop owner believes, a Roman bath which may have been used by Jesus

By Steve Weizman, Associated Press, Dec 18, 2002

Haaretz, Israel's Elite Paper, writes about Christmas in Bethlehem in its editorial: "Since 1967, the proper conduct of Christmas services in Bethlehem has been proof that Israel jealously protects the rights of religious minorities, and Israel was praised for its ability to make a distinction between the holy places and its security needs.

Apparently, that concept is fading, along with Israel's good name in the world.

Haaretz Editorial, Dec 23, 2002