The northern Israeli town of Nazareth has canceled their annual Christmas festivities for 2017, saying the Muslim-majority village “cannot be bargained with” and claiming “Trump’s decision” on Jerusalem has “taken the joy” out of the season.
According to Fox News, Nazareth’s mayor, Ali Salam, slammed the President’s recent decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying all festivities –including the famed Christmas flea market- will not be taking place.
“Our identity and faith cannot be bargained,” Salam, a Muslim, said. “[Trump’s] decision has taken away the joy of the holiday and we will cancel the festivities this year.”
President Trump made history earlier this month when he upended nearly two decades of empty promises and announced the US embassy in Tel Aviv will be moved to Jerusalem. Previous presidents have vowed to finally relocate the US ambassador, but have authorized a waiver delaying the decision.
The decision was met with demonstrations and protests throughout the Muslim world, with Hamas calling for a “day of rage” over the historic decision.