Paul Calvert spoke with Elias D'eis



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Elias: This is actually one of our goals; to revive Star Street and to re-open the shops that have been closed since the year 2000. There are 82 shops that have been closed after the second intifada and we are trying to re-open these shops and get the shop owners to sell their stuff; local products and food to the internationals and locals who will join the festival. The market will be open for four days during the festival. We are trying to encourage any local business owner to come and promote their products here.

Paul: What's your prayer for this whole conference?

Elias: Our prayer is that all our goals will be achieved; that it will be a success and that it will be an annual festival. We want internationals to come to Bethlehem for this festival and not just for Christmas. I hope this festival will be a Christmas celebration; so people can come any time, even in summer, to celebrate Christmas and the joy of Bethlehem, because it is the birth place of Jesus, where peace and love started. They can come and share their love and work for peace.

Paul: Do you have a website?

Elias: We have a group on Facebook, but they can visit our website www.betlahemlive.com CR

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