The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel is considering allowing some fugitives from the Church of the Nativity siege to return to Bethlehem. But residents of the city aren’t thrilled with return of the “heroes.” An anonymous Christian businessman told the Post:
“These men were responsible for a spate of attacks on Christians, including extortion and confiscation of property.”….
“I’m aware that most Christians living here are afraid to speak publicly about the issue, but the overwhelming majority was not unhappy when these thugs were deported from the city,” he added. “Now some people here are once again worried because of the reports that they will return. They remember all the bad things that happened to the Christians when these gunmen were roaming the streets. People also remember how the gunmen mistreated the monks and nuns who were held hostage during the raid.”
