Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Lights Up Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the Gaza war, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, following a recent truce, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

He accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, who often have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to take since Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Festivity Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs in front of the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn the streets and there are signs advertising Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We're very happy to see the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey the message to the world of what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I wish a lot of people will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is that there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores scattered throughout the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"This is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning like before: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the lethal Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, government employees have received just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding these funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic outlook implies that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events as well as religious services, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

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

"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festive event or a show or whatever, they lack the funds to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a tour group from India, bending down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the location where it is believed where Christmas started.