Abbas Says Jesus Was A ‘Palestinian Messenger’

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) – In a Christmas message, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has referred to Jesus as a “Palestinian” messenger of hope. Palestinian officials said Abbas used the term in a historic context, applying to all those in the Holy Land at the time, regardless of religion.

Few scholars dispute that Jesus was raised as a Jew. Abbas’ emailed comments Monday appeared to be part of an effort to reach global public opinion and strengthen links between the Palestinian and Christian narratives. Abbas said Jesus was a “Palestinian messenger who would become a guiding light for millions.” A majority of Palestinians including Abbas are Muslims, but he and predecessor Yasser Arafat have called for unity of Palestinian Christians and Muslims. Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, is a Palestinian town in the West Bank.