Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting 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 called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following a recent truce, the holy city determined that this year celebrations 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 two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

The mayor accepts that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to take because the Christmas season should never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Locals – 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 joined by a small number of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey a message to the world of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns including 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 of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think every person should visit at minimum one time in their life," she states.

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

For now, the gift shops scattered throughout the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to have people coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding the funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to make reforms – says it has recently changed its social welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic outlook implies that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as Christians," says one restaurant owner, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to spend for this celebration."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a light nearby.

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