Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Illuminates for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Gaza War

For two years during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were cancelled in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following a recent truce, this sacred city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some controversy, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to take since Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

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

"We are delighted to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its true spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey a message to the world about what Christmas truly represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

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

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think every person should visit at least once in their life," she states.

"I wish many visitors will return soon as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that you don't have long lines – one can visit and experience more. When I came before you had to wait in line for hours at least."

Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to have people returning like before: from European nations, the Middle East, America, Latin American and all over. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

At the same time, government employees have received only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The grim economic situation implies that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are currently public festivities in addition to religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

At the edge of the square, a few customers are waiting to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, who runs Afteem, a long-established family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He says lately numerous families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or whatever, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

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 by a silver star which marks the location where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a light nearby.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed where Christmas started.