The Vatican was correct in removing a Nativity scene that depicted baby Jesus lying on a Palestinian keffiyeh. But the question about why it was put up in the first place remains. This controversy over the creche has raised unsettling questions that will not disappear with its dismantling.
Far from a simple artistic expression, this image undermined the historical reality of Jesus’ identity and politicized one of Christianity’s most sacred symbols. What should have been a celebration of peace and hope was repurposed as a tool for pushing a narrative that distorts the truth and promotes division.
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In this Nativity scene on display at the Vatican, Baby Jesus sleeps on a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian struggle
First and foremost, portraying Jesus as a Palestinian is historically inaccurate. Jesus was born and died a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea, a historical reality that cannot be ignored or reinterpreted to fit modern political agendas.
The very idea of Palestinians as a distinct people didn’t exist in the time of Jesus. To suggest otherwise is not only revisionist history, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and dangerous myths. By associating Jesus with the Palestinian cause, the Vatican risks implying that Jews, who were historically blamed for the death of Jesus, are somehow responsible for contemporary violence against Palestinians.
This line of thinking echoes antisemitic conspiracy theories that have been long debunked. The Vatican itself condemned such ideas 60 years ago in Nostra Aetate, rejecting the notion that Jews are collectively guilty of Jesus’ crucifixion.
This portrayal is not just wrong, it’s reckless. It shifts the narrative away from the universal message of Jesus’ teachings and exploits his identity, turning him into a political pawn in an ongoing conflict. Such politicization of sacred religious symbols diminishes their power and risks alienating millions of Christians worldwide, many of whom do not see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as central to their faith.
The intention, perhaps, was to show solidarity with Christians in the Middle East, who indeed face persecution. But that message could have been conveyed in a way that didn’t distort history or fuel further division.
While Christian minorities are indeed suffering in parts of the Middle East—particularly in countries like Syria where only 25% of the Christian population in 2011 remain—the reality is that the only country in the region where the Christian population is growing is Israel. Israel’s commitment to protecting its minorities, including Christians, must not be overlooked in this debate.
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The keffiyeh itself, a symbol strongly associated with anti-Israel activism, further complicates the Vatican’s Christmas message. If the aim is to appeal to leftist or Islamist groups, it is an unwise strategy. History has shown that appeasing Islamist movements does not foster cooperation or peace—it enables dangerous ideologies that view Christians, just like Jews, as “infidels” who must be eliminated. In this context, aligning Jesus with such symbols risks not only misrepresenting his legacy but also endangering Christian communities in the Middle East and beyond.
By contrast, consider the story of Father Jean Flory, who in 1942, during the Nazi occupation of France, made a powerful statement of solidarity and defiance. That Christmas Eve, in Montbéliard, he placed a yellow Star of David over the hearts of baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary in his church’s Nativity scene, publicly declaring that Jesus and Mary were Jewish.
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Days later, the keffiyeh and the Baby Jesus were removed
(Photo: Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
At a time when Jews were being persecuted and murdered, Father Flory’s courageous act of solidarity stood in stark opposition to the antisemitism that was sweeping through Europe. It was an act rooted in truth, justice and courage—the very qualities that seem to be missing from today’s politicized iconography.
In the end, the Vatican’s Nativity scene, with its politically charged symbols, did little to advance peace or understanding. It distorted history, divided communities and fueled hatred. Instead of politicizing sacred religious symbols, the Church should focus on promoting unity and respect for historical truths, reminding us all that the message of Christ transcends modern conflicts.
- Dr. Dov Maimon is a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), where he oversees the Institute's activities in Europe.