Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Illuminates Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

For two years amid the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, large holiday tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no income," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, who often have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to take since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now decorate the streets and there are signs advertising holiday markets and children's parties.

"We're very happy to see the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey a message globally of what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she says.

"I wish a lot of people will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is you don't have lengthy queues – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning like before: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin American and all over. We begin with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

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 war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding the funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The grim economic situation means that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are currently public festivities as well as religious services, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of the square, some patrons are waiting to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes that recently many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or whatever, he doesn't have the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a local woman follows a tour group from India, bending down near a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.