The Christmas Tree Lights Up for the First Time After the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event marking the holiday season were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city determined that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been 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 was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take because Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This represents the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

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

Brightly coloured lights now decorate city streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey the message globally about what Christmas truly represents. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is that there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in line for a few hours at least."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around the city have little business, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with people.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, America, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have received just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining the funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities as well as religious services, 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 after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently numerous families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festive event or the theatre or whatever, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star that indicates the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents say they are hoping for peace – and hoping for tourists to come back to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.