The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Conflict

For two years during the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, after a recent truce, the holy city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no employment, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to do since Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, so this is where we can send the message globally of what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if the season is calm, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate holiday trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I wish a lot of people will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is that you don't have long lines – one can visit and see more things. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

For now, the souvenir stores scattered throughout the city have little business, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," laments a guide named Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

At the same time, public servants have received only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The bleak economic situation means that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of Manger Square, a few customers are waiting to buy hot balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes that recently numerous families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but according to their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event or a show or similar, they lack the money to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.