Bethlehem's Christian community is increasingly leaving the city as economic conditions worsen, prompting concerns over the stability of West Bank institutions. Mimi Gewirtz, a local observer, highlights that many Christians are seeking opportunities abroad, leaving behind weaker governance and a more fragile region. The exodus reflects broader economic challenges in the West Bank, where inflation and unemployment have risen sharply. Israel, which has long relied on the Christian community for its political and social fabric, faces growing difficulties in maintaining ties with a shrinking population. The situation underscores the deepening economic crisis in the region, with implications for both local governance and regional stability. As more Christians depart, the West Bank risks losing a key demographic that has historically played a vital role in its social and political landscape. (timesofisrael.com)