The Christmas Tree Illuminates for the First Time Since the Outbreak of the Gaza War

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

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city determined that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

He accepts that the idea to restart festivities faced some controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn the streets and there are signs advertising Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

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

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is on 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 soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The only thing that's good is there are no long lines – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for a few hours at least."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city have little business, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," laments a guide named Hamza. "We hope to have people returning like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have received just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

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

On the periphery of the square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but according to their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem say they are praying for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.