Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the Gaza war, every festive public event for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism was down to nothing."

He acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – which affects members of the tiny Christian community, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed this constituted the correct action to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now adorn city 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 in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, so this is where we can convey a message to the world of what really Christmas represents. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I wish many visitors will return soon as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is there are no lengthy queues – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and everywhere. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

At the same time, government employees have received only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The authority – facing international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook means that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities in addition to religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He says lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but according to their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the money to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where tradition states that Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.