Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Lighting Lights Up for the First Time Since the Start of the Gaza War

For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, after the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities faced some controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the correct action to do because Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now decorate the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

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

"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

A visitor 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 soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that's good is there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, tour guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no life," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to have people coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have received only partial wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies 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.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The authority – which has been under global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The bleak economic situation means that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities as well as religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

At the edge of the square, some patrons wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festive event or a show 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 local woman follows a tour group from India, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

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