Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time Since the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period amid the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year celebrations would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

He accepts that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the right thing to take because Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now adorn city streets with signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey the message to the world of what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if the season is calm, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Local hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she says.

"I wish a lot of people will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that there are no long lines – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours minimum."

For now, the gift shops scattered throughout Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the conflict, it was often crammed with people.

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

The Persistent Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic outlook means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting to buy sizzling 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, who runs Afteem, a long-established family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He notes that recently numerous families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the money to expend on these celebrations."

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 that indicates the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a light nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed where Christmas started.