🔗 Share this article Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up Once Again Since the Start of the Gaza War Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is where the faithful hold Jesus was born. However, after a recent truce, the holy city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity. "It's been two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism was down to zero." The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem. "Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community." A Spark of Festivity Returns Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists. Brightly coloured lights now decorate city streets with signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children. "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 authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun. "This place is where it all started, so this is where we can convey the message to the world about what really Christmas represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world." Economic Prospects and Challenges Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for 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 the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she says. "I hope many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is that there are no long lines – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours minimum." For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors. "This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait." The Persistent Economic Impact Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work. At the same time, government employees have received just a portion of their wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency. Israel says it is holding these funds because the Authority provides payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system. A Modest Christmas Season The grim economic situation implies that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are currently public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas. On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops. "We are getting ready for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," says one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. 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 anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have 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 local woman follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby. With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents say they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.
Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is where the faithful hold Jesus was born. However, after a recent truce, the holy city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity. "It's been two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism was down to zero." The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem. "Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community." A Spark of Festivity Returns Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists. Brightly coloured lights now decorate city streets with signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children. "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 authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun. "This place is where it all started, so this is where we can convey the message to the world about what really Christmas represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world." Economic Prospects and Challenges Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for 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 the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she says. "I hope many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is that there are no long lines – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours minimum." For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors. "This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait." The Persistent Economic Impact Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work. At the same time, government employees have received just a portion of their wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency. Israel says it is holding these funds because the Authority provides payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system. A Modest Christmas Season The grim economic situation implies that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are currently public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas. On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops. "We are getting ready for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," says one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. 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 anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have 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 local woman follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby. With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents say they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.