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

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, after a recent truce, this sacred city determined that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations faced some debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to do since the Christmas season should never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now decorate city streets with signs advertising Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

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

"This place is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send the message globally of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations 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 everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she says.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The only thing that is positive is that there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours at least."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin American and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding the funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise violence against Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The bleak economic situation means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public festivities as well as religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, bending down near 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, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.