The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

However, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year celebrations would return, as represented 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 Christmas, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

He acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take because Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Festivity Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn the streets and there are signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to see the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, so this is where we can convey the message globally about what Christmas truly represents. And this year, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The only thing that is positive is that there are no long lines – one can visit and see more things. When I came before it was necessary to wait in line for hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

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

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid just a portion of their salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – says it has recently changed its social welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public events as well as religious services, it will be a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or whatever, he doesn't have the funds to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location where it is believed Christmas began.