Addressing worshipers at the Christmas midnight mass in Bethlehem, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud ‘Abbas spoke of peace with Israel and called on Israel’s leaders to “understand that we are seekers of peace, not seekers of war or terrorism.” He made no reference to returning to the peace table with Israel. References to unrest in other Arab countries caught up in the so-called “Arab Spring” were also heard at the mass. Invoking a political theme, Patriarch Fuad Twal commended ‘Abbas for his peace-making efforts, singling out what he termed “the main thrust” – the creation of a Palestinian state.