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

For two years amid the Gaza war, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city 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 illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

The mayor accepts that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to do because the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents the light of hope for our community."

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 joined by a handful of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets and there are signs promoting holiday markets and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, therefore here is where we can convey a message globally of what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will bring a nice message for the whole 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 remained largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that's good is there are no long lines – you can come and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks in 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 to work.

At the same time, public servants have received only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says it is holding the funds due to the fact that the PA makes payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The grim economic situation means that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of Manger Square, some patrons wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," says Alaa Salameh, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but according to their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or whatever, he doesn't have the funds to expend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the church, a local woman accompanies a tour group from India, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the place where it is believed where Christmas started.