The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Conflict

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, following a recent truce, this sacred city determined that now celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to do since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs before the tree hung with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now decorate city streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey a message to the world of what really Christmas represents. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

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

"I wish many visitors will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that's good is that there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

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

The Lingering Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds because the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The authority – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – says it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious services, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star which marks the location where it is said Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.

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