West Coast city snubs ‘Christmas’ from tree lighting again while activists wave Palestinian flag onstage
Portland, Oregon, is under fire for again hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and nixing any mention of the Christian holiday, while leaders of the event instead waved a...
By Fox News · Fox News
Portland, Oregon, is under fire for again hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and nixing any mention of the Christian holiday, while leaders of the event instead waved a Palestinian flag and led the crowd in chants. "Free, free, free Palestine," a woman holding a Palestinian flag on stage of the lighting event said while leading the crowd in a chant Friday evening, before also singing the "Strong Woman Song" while joined by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which is a confederation of three native tribes in Oregon. The event was decked out in Christmas lights, a traditionally decorated tree and a visit from Santa Claus, but did not promote any mention of Christmas, with organizers instead advertising the festive occasion as "Portland's 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony," according to social media accounts for Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the tree is displayed. Fox News Digital reviewed the Portland government's Facebook, X and Instagram accounts and found advertisements and footage showing the tree lighting, but did not include the word " Christmas. " A calendar for the annual event shows organizers have bypassed calling it a "Christmas" tree lighting event going back to at least 2019. ICONIC DC LANDMARK UNVEILS FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE AS PART OF PUSH TO REVIVE HOLIDAY SPIRIT "Portland’s Tree is lit!" one caption on an Instagram video shared by the Portland, Oregon, Instagram account stated. "Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark is tonight!" another message shared on social media by both the Portland, Oregon, government and Pioneer Courthouse Square stated. "Celebrate the highlight of the Downtown Holiday Season as Santa Claus flips the switch, illuminating more than 9,500 colorful LED lights to shine bright on our City’s 75’ Douglas-fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber for all to enjoy. SEE YOU TONIGHT, PORTLAND!" it added. Social media commenters sounded off online that the deep blue city refused to me…