The Christmas Tree Illuminates for the First Time Since the Start of the Conflict
For two years during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.
However, after a recent truce, this sacred city determined that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."
He accepts that the idea to restart festivities was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.
"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take because the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for our community."
A Spark of Festivity Reappears
Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs in front of the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of international visitors.
Vibrant lights now adorn city streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.
"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.
"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send a message globally of what really Christmas represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."
Economic Hopes and Difficulties
Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.
One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.
"I wish many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is you don't have long lines – you can come and experience more. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours at least."
Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.
"This is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to have people returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, America, Latin America and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."
The Persistent Economic Impact
Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.
At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.
Israel says they are retaining these funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.
An Austere Christmas Season
The bleak economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.
On the periphery of the square, a few customers wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.
"We are getting ready for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.
"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to expend on these celebrations."
Hopes for Calm and Recovery
In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman follows a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star which marks the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.
Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.
