The fright before Xmas

The Jerusalem Post reports that Bethlehem’s Christian community is living in tremendous fear — rumors abound that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured) plans attacks on Manger Square, St. Joseph’s School and Bethlehem University. Despite statements from the town council that the rumors are baseless, many families are afraid to let their children out of the house:

Some Christians are so desperate that they have appealed to Hamas to protect them against al-Zarqawi and al-Qaida. “Hamas must defend Bethlehem against these terrorists,” said one. “We have confidence in Hamas and we hope that they won’t disappoint us. Our children are so scared that they can’t sleep well at night.”