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

Throughout a two-year period during the Gaza war, every festive public event for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the lighting of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no income," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects those in its tiny Christian community, who often have relatives 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 correct action to take because Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Festivity Returns

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets with signs advertising holiday markets 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 authentic spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can send the message globally of what really Christmas represents. And this year, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will bring a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The sole aspect that's good is you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for hours at least."

For now, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received only partial salaries 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, according to a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds because the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The grim economic outlook means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of Manger Square, a few customers are waiting 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 Christians," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto at the base of the church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, bending down near a silver star which marks the spot where it is said Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby.

Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for tourists to come back to the location where it is believed Christmas began.