The Christmas Tree Illuminates for the First Time 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 within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.
But, after a recent truce, this sacred city determined that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.
"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."
The mayor accepts that the decision to restart festivities faced some controversy, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – which affects members of the small Christian population, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.
"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the correct action to take since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community."
A Glimmer of Festivity Reappears
Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.
Vibrant lights now decorate city streets with signs advertising holiday markets and children's parties.
"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," says Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.
"This place is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey the message to the world of what really Christmas represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."
Economic Prospects and Difficulties
The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained largely empty for two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.
A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.
"I hope many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours minimum."
Currently, the gift shops dotted around the city experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with people.
"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no life," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."
The Lingering Economic Toll
In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.
Meanwhile, government employees have received just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.
Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The authority – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.
A Modest Christmas Season
The bleak economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.
On the periphery of the square, a few customers are waiting to buy sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.
"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.
"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to spend for this celebration."
Prayers for Peace and Prosperity
In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star that indicates the location where it is said Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.
With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the place where it is believed Christmas began.
