The Mandelbaum Gate leading from this city to the Old City, which is under Jordanian jurisdiction, was opened at dawn today, and 3,000 Christians living in Israel flocked to the Jordanian side to observe Christmas there. The Jordanians allow the Israeli Christians 36 hours for the Christmas and Easter observances. Many of the Christian pilgrims were understood to be planning to remain here until January 5, when Pope Paul VI is expected to come to Jerusalem.
More than 50,000 Christians and Israel affiliated with various Greek, Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, held special services in their houses of worship here, in Jaffa, Nazareth and at various other sites. Special prayers were recited for the safety of Pope Paul. Nazareth was gaily decorated for Christmas, with many of the decorations scheduled to remain on view until after the Pontiff’s visit to that city.
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