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

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

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

The mayor accepts that the decision to restart festivities was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects members of the tiny Christian community, who often have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the correct action to do since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

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

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets with signs promoting holiday markets and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday 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 of what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have remained largely empty 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 on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that's good is you don't have lengthy queues – you can come and experience more. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," laments a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the lethal Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities in addition to religious services, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of the square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as Christians," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or a show or whatever, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a local woman follows a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are praying for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the place which is thought to be where Christmas started.