05 Sept 2025
05 Sept 2025
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Nativity scene in Bethlehem, West Bank shows baby Jesus wrapped in a Keffiyeh & placed in a pile of rubble to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
A County Derry initiative has been personally thanked by the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, for its special Christmas message to the Palestinian people.
The message took the form of a Christmas song called ‘In the Holy Land’, which was composed by talented Dungiven musician, Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh.
‘In the Holy Land’ was sung by Conall Ó hEaráin and a choir of children from across the North West of Ireland. It was recorded live in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven. All proceeds from the song are being donated to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Thanking everyone involved, Ambassador Abdalmajid said: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh and her team for their initiative and message of solidarity with the people in the Holy Land.
Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid presenting her credentials to President Michael D Higgins.
“This reflects not only the strong ties between the Irish and Palestinian people, but also the strong connections in humanity and sincerity in this difficult time.
“The whole world is celebrating the birth of Jesus who was from a country where peace does not exist. No celebrations, no Christmas tree, no Christmas carols. This Christmas is not the same as every year.
“May this song bring some hope, joy and peace to our children in Gaza and Palestine. Thank you Nodlaig, the children and your team for this gift,” said Ambassador Abdalmajid.
Speaking to Derry News, Ms Ní Bhrollaigh said she had received a phone call from Ambassador Abdalmajid this week and they had spoken for quite a while.
The live recording of 'In the Holy Land' in St Patrick's Church in Dungiven.
She added: “The ambassador had been sent our song from friends in Italy and she was very touched by the message sung by the choir of children.
“It is a distressing and heartbreaking time for her people but even in the midst of it all, she asked me to thank the children and tell the parents to enjoy precious time with them this Christmas.”
Anyone who wishes to consider downloading ‘In the Holy Land’ and contributing via bandcamp to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, a charity doing vital work on the ground in Gaza this Christmas, can do so at: https://nodlaignbhrollaigh.bandcamp.com/track/in-the-holy-land.
The project has raised €1,321.60 to date.
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