The Christmas Tree Illuminates for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following a recent truce, this sacred city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no employment, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with signs advertising Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send the message to the world of what Christmas truly represents. And now, if the season is calm, then I hope it will deliver a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations 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 everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.

"I wish a lot of people will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The only thing that's good is there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in line for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout the city have little business, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, tour guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the PA makes payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – says it has recently changed its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook implies that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities as well as religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of Manger Square, a few customers wait 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," says one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

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

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem say they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed where Christmas started.