Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lights Up Once Again After the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that now the festivities would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take because the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Festivity Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now adorn city streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world about what really Christmas represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at least once in their life," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is you don't have long lines – you can come and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to have people coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have received just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding the funds due to the fact that the Authority provides payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook implies that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting to buy hot balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the church, a local woman follows a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the place where it is believed Christmas began.