The Lavapiés Nativity Scene

If Jesus were born in Bethlehem today...

As the festive season once again brings us tidings of peace and good will with the powerful symbol of a baby born in a humble manger, I couldn't help but think of what Jesus would find in Palestine today if Mary were to give birth now.

- How could Joseph and Mary reach Bethlehem if the town is cut off by the wall?

- Would the three Wise Men be considered international terrorists?

- Are the shepherds undercover agents of Hamas?

- Does the Manger have a building permit issued by Israel?

- How much of the olive grove will be taken over by new, illegal settlements?

The Lavapiés Nativity Scene is a 16m2 miniature Palestine, perfectly reproduced using the age-old, traditional Art of Mediterranean nativity scenes. What has changed is, instead of roman soldiers, there will be the IDF and Israeli border police controlling every movement in Bethlehem. Tanks, helicopters and checkpoints complete the scene, accompanied by the ever-present wall towering sinisterly over the whole landscape.

Starting on December 22nd and running all the way through to Epiphany on January 6th, the Nativity Scene will change daily, following events on the ground, with new pictures and videos permanently updated on this site.

Having witnessed the total collapse of any Peace initiative, the US’s alignment with Israel's expansionist policies and the shameful silence of the International Community, I felt it was necessary for us, the people, to intervene and stand up against blatant injustice.

Silence is no longer an option; decent people must intervene.

One last word: This Nativity Scene is also dedicated to Lavapies, an ancient neighborhood in the center of Madrid, Spain where the event is being held. Over the years it has become a symbol of a thriving multicultural and multiracial community, open to Art and social experiments. Seeing young people from all over the world interacting freely and engaged could be a humble example of peace and tolerance in the middle-east.