Siraj Center also participated in Organization the Fourth Annual Shepherd’s Nights Festival from December 23rd- 25th annually. This year festival, hosted a number of local bands, dance troupes, and singers. Also like every year, the Festival hosted a special event for Children where Santa distributed free gifts for few hundred children. The Festival is co-organized by the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement between People and The YMCA. The first day of the festival started with opening speeches by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khoulod Deibes, the Governor for Bethlehem District Mr. Abdal- Fatah Hamayel and the Mayor of Beit Sahour Mr. Hani Al- Hayek, they all welcomed and honored the Shepherd’s Nights Festival and emphasized the importance of keeping the Palestinian heritage alive. The program proceeded with several local performances that reflect the Palestinian cultural heritage and Folklore. The groups included the Shepherds’ Band for Religious Hymns, Wajd Musical Group, Tunes for Peace Group, Baqoun Troupe for Palestinian Popular Heritage.
The second day stared with the children program with Keefak Hey Band whom entertained all children, and then Santa amazed the hearts of all the children and by handing out free Christmas gifts for them. At night, Sheibat Band – Rock and Roll, warmed the Christmas Eve, and added and amazing atmosphere for the entire area through their Christmas carols and songs.
The last day of the festival concluded by the 21st Annual Rapprochement Center candle procession took place around the Shepherds' Field church in Beit Sahour, Local Palestinian citizens as well as foreigners marched in the procession. The Annual Procession each year, invites people to walk under certain slogan and this year was ‘Light a Candle for Free Palestine’. This year less people walked in the procession due to the bad weather conditions and mainly the heavy rain.
The second day stared with the children program with Keefak Hey Band whom entertained all children, and then Santa amazed the hearts of all the children and by handing out free Christmas gifts for them. At night, Sheibat Band – Rock and Roll, warmed the Christmas Eve, and added and amazing atmosphere for the entire area through their Christmas carols and songs. The last day of the festival concluded by the 21st Annual Rapprochement Center candle procession took place around the Shepherds' Field church in Beit Sahour, Local Palestinian citizens as well as foreigners marched in the procession. The Annual Procession each year, invites people to walk under certain slogan and this year was ‘Light a Candle for Free Palestine’. This year less people walked in the procession due to the bad weather conditions and mainly the heavy rain.
