Banksy unveils ‘modified nativity’ scene in Bethlehem

Banksy wants people celebrating Christmas to consider what’s happening in present-day Bethlehem.

The elusive street artist’s latest work features a “modified nativity” scene: Joseph and Mary kneeling beside Jesus in a manger set beside a monstrous concrete wall.

The wall appears to be pierced by a mortar shell, leaving a mark that resembles a guiding star. Graffitied on the wall are the words “love” and “peace,” in English and French.

The installation, dubbed “Scar of Bethlehem,” was unveiled on Saturday at the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. The artist also announced it on Instagram.

“It is a nativity,” the hotel’s manager Wissam Salsaa told AFP. “Banksy has his own contribution to Christmas.”

“It is a great way to bring up the story of Bethlehem, the Christmas story, in a different way – to make people think more” of how Israel’s military occupation impacts Palestinians.

Banksy opened the Walled Off Hotel in 2017 to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The hotel bills itself as having the worst view in the world. Nearly every window opens up to a 30-foot high wall, part of a concrete and fence barrier that snakes hundreds of miles through the West Bank. Israel says the barrier provides protection from attacks. Palestinians say it’s a land grab, as much of the barrier is constructed in the Palestinian territory. In 2004, The International Court of Justice at The Hague ruled that the barrier is illegal.

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Banksy has opened a boutique art hotel in Bethlehem.

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The new hotel is called The Walled Off Hotel and is filled with artwork by Banksy and other artists.

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The establishment is operated by the local community. Here, a doorman stands at the entrance of the hotel.

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Each room is different and features a variety of artwork including this wall mural by Banksy. According to the hotel's website, the aim of the hotel is "to tell the story of the wall from every side and give visitors the opportunity to discover it for themselves."

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The view from one of the guest bedrooms.

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So far Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin have contributed artwork to the hotel but more will follow.

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Banksy is offering all-expense paid residencies to a select few artists in order to further customize the hotel rooms. Artists can apply via the hotel website.

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The presidential suite features a striking feature bed and is, according to the website, "equipped with everything a corrupt head of state would need."

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The presidential suite sleeps up to six people and has on display a "bullet riddled water tank" feature.

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An employee stands in the bar area of the The Walled Off Hotel.

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Also in the bar area is a wall decorated with security cameras and slingshots.

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An employee stands next to another piece of art in the restaurant area of the hotel.

Each of the hotel’s nine rooms and presidential suite includes art by Banksy critiquing Israel’s occupation, including its Jewish-only settlements, military checkpoints and extensive surveillance system.

The England-based artist is a longtime critic of Israel. The artist’s work can be seen on walls and sides of buildings throughout the Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

“Banksy is trying to be a voice for those that cannot speak,” Salsaa said. Banksy “is creating a new model of resistance through art.”