In Bethlehem, 'Baba Noel' Delivers Christmas Gifts To Palestinian Children
In the Holy Land, Santa doesn't come down the chimney or wait till kids are asleep to deliver presents. "Baba Noel" or Father Christmas hops out of a red van and makes house calls while they're awake.
by Daniel Estrin
Dec 25, 2018
3 minutes
In the little town of Bethlehem, Santa hops out of a red minivan, adjusts his round, gold-rimmed glasses and is briefed by his chauffeur, Mohammed Battah.
"Martin and Christina," the driver says, handing him two wrapped boxes.
"Martin!" Santa calls out, rapping his cane and ringing a golden bell as he ascends a stone staircase.
Four-year-old Martin cries at first, scared of the stranger with the white beard. Then, when he
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