Palestinian Christian Issa Kassissieh slips into his red velvet suit to usher in Christmas in Jerusalem
"It's special to give the message of love and peace from Jerusalem," says Issa Kassissieh, who says he's the city's only accredited Santa.
Seven years ago, Issa Kassissieh transformed the ground floor of his 700-year-old home into a grotto, complete with candy, mulled wine and a chance to sit on Santa's lap. "We are dealing with many religions here in Jerusalem. We have Muslims, Christians and Jews. I have all religions come to my house. I open my hands to everybody," said Kassissieh, himself a Christian.
"Every child asks me for an iPhone," Kassissieh says, chuckling."I never promise anything, but I say: 'Let's pray, and if you're on my good list, you will get it'." Fifteen years ago, he found his father's suit and decided to slip into the red velvet role. But it has involved more than just putting on a suit.
of occupied East Jerusalem’s historic religious status quo continues to threaten Palestinian presence in the area, along with Muslim and Christian holy sites.
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