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The Holiday Tree Lighting Lights Up for the First Time Since the Outbreak of the Conflict
Throughout a two-year period amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.
However, following a recent truce, this sacred city determined that now celebrations would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.
"It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."
He accepts that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.
"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to take since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for our community."
A Spark of Celebration Returns
Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of foreign tourists.
Vibrant lights now decorate city streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.
"We are delighted to see the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.
"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send a message globally of what really Christmas 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 also intend to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained largely empty for two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.
A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she states.
"I hope many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The only thing that's good is that there are no long lines – one can visit and experience more. When I came before it was necessary to wait in line for a few hours minimum."
For now, the gift shops scattered throughout Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was typically packed with people.
"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to have people coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."
The Persistent Economic Toll
Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.
At the same time, public servants have been paid only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.
Israel says they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.
An Austere Christmas Season
The bleak economic outlook means that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities as well as religious services, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.
On the periphery of the square, some patrons wait to purchase hot balls of falafel from a row of 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 revenues collapse. He says lately many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.
"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds 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 accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.
With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for tranquility – and hoping for tourists to come back to the place which is thought to be where Christmas started.
Margaret Houston
A dedicated writer and theologian passionate about sharing faith-based insights and fostering community connections.
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