The Holiday Tree Lights Up Once Again After the Start of the Conflict

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, after a recent truce, this sacred city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – which affects those in its tiny Christian community, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets with signs advertising Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

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

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can convey a message to the world of what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for two years – are seeing a rise 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. "I think every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.

"I wish many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is there are no lengthy queues – you can come and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

Currently, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We hope to have people coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and all over. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – says it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

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

On the periphery of the square, a few customers are waiting to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers 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 by a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the place where it is believed where Christmas started.