Bethlehem, West Bank. In response to violent Palestinian protests against President Donald Trump's decision to move the U. S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Israeli tanks and other military units have moved into Bethlehem, resulting in several civilian deaths, including that of a young girl.
The incidents, at Christmastime, cast a shadow over holiday celebrations. Above the din of exploding bombs, the roar of military engines and the shouts of protesting Palestinians, could be heard the sound of a carol, sung by a solitary voice:
Embattled town of Bethlehem
Why must thy childrn die?
While mothers weep in fitful sleep
Israeli tanks roll by
How silently, yet vi'lently,
A suicide car is driv'n.
And life departs as innocent hearts
Are blasted up to heav'n
Yet as the war clouds gather
for an everlasting fight,
The tears and fears of all your peers
are meant for thee tonight.
