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Israel Coordinates with Church Leaders for Christmas Holiday
(Israel Ministry of Defense-Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot and Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai met Tuesday with Christian leaders to update them on preparations to mark the Christmas holiday. They met with the head of the Franciscan monastery, the Custodian of the Holy Lands, the Ambassador of the Vatican, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, the Armenian Patriarch, and the Latin Patriarch. More than 300 Christian Palestinians from Gaza will be allowed exit to celebrate the holiday in a manner that respects freedom of religious expression. During the holiday season, all crossings into Bethlehem will be open 24 hours a day and additional staff will be present to ensure easy passage for visitors. The church heads expressed their great appreciation for the strong cooperation and coordination that has taken place in the fields of religious freedom, Christian holy sites, security issues, and overall quality of life. The Christmas holiday begins on Dec. 24 and extends until Jan. 19, 2010. During this period, different Christian groups will commemorate the occasion in Bethlehem with different ceremonies.