Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Conflict

For two years during the Gaza war, 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 determined that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured a bad two years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

He acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations faced some debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the right thing to take since Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

A Spark of Festivity Reappears

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now adorn city streets and there are 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 celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

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

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for 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 on her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The only thing that is positive is you don't have 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 dotted around the city have little business, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Since the deadly attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received only partial wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds because the PA makes payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The authority – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The grim economic situation means that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons are waiting to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas after 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 restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately numerous families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but according to their circumstances," 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."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the church, a resident accompanies a tour group from India, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.