The Manger Square in Bethlehem. 1988. During Christmas ceremonies, pilgrims and clergy mix with the local population and the Israeli Defense Force members. Bethlehem is recalled in the Herbrew Bible as Bethlehem Juday and Ephrath. According to Jewish tradition, it was the birhplace of David, son of Jesse. It is sacred to Chrstianity as the birthplace of Jesus. Today, most of its inhabitants are Muslims.