A painting of Jesus teaching in the Temple. Photo: Photobucket.

Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus – the birth of a Jewish baby to a Jewish family living in Bethlehem. This man (Yeshu in Hebrew) was circumcised, and lived and prayed as a Jew in the Land of Israel. It was many years before the Palestinian Arab people were created.

Can there be any simpler way for the world to understand that Jews cannot be occupiers in Israel? How much simpler than this can it get in showing that indeed Jews have always lived and had sovereignty in the so-called West Bank? Billions around the world – including in America – recognize Jesus, celebrate his birthday, and so many other occurrences in his life. Surely his life is a clear indication that there were Jewish settlements in this area more than two thousand years ago?

It is clear from reading most any ancient text on the subject, that Bethlehem was a Jewish town – yet, today Jews are attacked when they enter the city. While there’s so much controversy surrounding Jews today who live in Judea and Samaria, how can Christians reconcile that fact with their celebration of the Jew who once lived in that area? Was Jesus an occupier? Two billion Christians around the world celebrate the fact that the West Bank has always been the home of the Jewish people.

Shame on all who celebrate the life and death of a Jew who lived in these areas many years ago – yet deny Jews today the right they have always had to simply live a Jewish life in the Land of Israel, which includes the areas of Judea and Samaria.

Based in New York City, Ronn Torossian is an author & entrepreneur.