Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Illuminates for the First Time Since the Start of the Conflict

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

However, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the right thing to do since Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured 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 in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey the message globally of what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I wish many visitors will return soon as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is that there are no long lines – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for a few hours at least."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people returning like before: from European nations, the Middle East, America, Latin American and all over. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for 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 depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding these funds because the PA makes payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, even though there are currently public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

At the edge of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting 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 a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to expend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident follows a tour group from India, bending down by a silver star which marks the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.