Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were cancelled in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, after a recent truce, this sacred city decided that now celebrations would return, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism was down to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, who often have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt this constituted the correct action to take because the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for our community."

A Spark of Festivity Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

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

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can send a message globally of what really Christmas represents. And now, if the season is calm, then I hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

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

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she says.

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

For now, the souvenir stores scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

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

The Lingering Economic Impact

In the past two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid only partial wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the Authority provides payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has recently changed its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public events in addition to religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

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

"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"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 similar, they lack the money to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.

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