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

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, who often 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 right thing to do since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey the message globally of what really Christmas represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The only thing that's good is there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

For now, the gift shops dotted around the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments a guide named Hamza. "We hope to have people returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin American and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid only partial wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds because the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The authority – which has been under global pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public festivities in addition to religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

At the edge of the square, a few customers wait to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the funds to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident accompanies a tour group from India, bending down near a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for tranquility – and hoping for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.