How are you feeling this Christmas? If you're feeling queasy at the sight of the Myer Christmas Parade (yes, I watched that three minutes too. And there's no recovering from the shame, or the vision of
Home and Away actors being "goofy" and "fun"). If you're lost for present ideas (I realise this is far too late). If you're wondering what's cooking in Bethlehem these days. If you're looking for a way to be a consumerist with a bit less guilt. If you're keen on works by artists like Banksy, Aiko, and Bast. You should check out Santa's Ghetto.
Santa's Ghetto is an organisation which is hoping to bring some attention and funds to children living in Bethlehem, where the region has been separated into two states; one Arab and the other Jewish since the end of WWII, and there has been fighting between the two groups ever since.
Artists have been busily painting walls throughout Bethlehem; creating beautiful, sad, and thought-provoking images. You can also purchase artworks from a group of well-known and respected artists with proceeds going to projects benefiting children and young people.
Santa's Ghetto organisers are very careful to point out that no money will go to governments, political groups, or any grown-ups at all. Also, their organisation does not align itself with any group; Arab, Jewish or otherwise.
So head over to
Santa'sGhetto.com and shake off all those icky feelings. And have a think this Christmas.