The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again After the Outbreak of the Gaza War

For two years amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."

He accepts that the idea to restart festivities was not without controversy, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – which affects members of the small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the correct action to take since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of international visitors.

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

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

"This place is where everything began, so this is where we can convey a message globally of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes 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 remained largely empty for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think every person should visit at least once in their life," she states.

"I wish many visitors will return soon because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is 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 at least."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and all over. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have received just a portion of their wages 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 – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The grim economic outlook implies that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers wait to purchase hot balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He notes that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the place where it is believed where Christmas started.