The Christmas Tree Illuminates Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

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

However, after a recent truce, the holy city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to do because Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Festivity Reappears

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

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can send the message globally about what Christmas truly represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees soon. Local hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.

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

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds due to the fact that the PA makes payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook implies that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of the square, some patrons are waiting to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He notes that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star which marks the spot where it is said Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for tourists to come back to the location where it is believed Christmas began.