Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lights Up 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 cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, following a recent truce, the holy city determined that now celebrations would return, as symbolised by the lighting 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 employment, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and tourism was down to nothing."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – which affects members of the tiny Christian community, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take since the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets and there are signs advertising Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to see the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey the message to the world about what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.

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

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that you don't have long lines – one can visit and experience more. When I came before you had to wait in line for hours at least."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, tour guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning like before: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin America and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

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

At the same time, government employees have been paid only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook means that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events as well as religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes that recently many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or a show or similar, they lack the money to spend for this celebration."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

In the cave-like grotto beneath the church, a local woman follows a tour group from India, bending down near a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said 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 tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.