Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time After the Start of the Conflict

For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, following a recent truce, this sacred city decided that now celebrations would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to nothing."

He acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects those in its tiny Christian community, who often have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for our community."

A Spark of Festivity Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now decorate the streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey the message globally of what really Christmas represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope many visitors will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that's good is there are no long lines – you can come and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours at least."

For now, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have been paid only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds because the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to enact reforms – says it has recently changed its welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers are waiting to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or similar, they lack the funds to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed Christmas began.