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

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following a recent truce, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, many of whom have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the right thing to do since Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

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

Vibrant lights now decorate the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

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

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can send a message to the world of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees soon. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

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

An Austere Holiday

The bleak economic situation means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, even though there are currently public festivities in addition to religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

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

"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states one restaurant owner, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festival or a show or similar, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the church, a resident follows a tour group from India, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.