The Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up for the First Time Since the Start of the Conflict

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event marking the holiday season were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year celebrations would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."

He acknowledges that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed that this was the right thing to do because Christmas must never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

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

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets and there are signs advertising 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 authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send a message to the world about what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will deliver a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive 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 hours minimum."

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

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin American and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding these funds because the PA makes payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The authority – facing international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

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

On the periphery of the square, a few customers are waiting to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for the holiday after one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as Christians," says one restaurant owner, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the money to expend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a resident accompanies a tour group from India, bending down near 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, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the place where it is believed where Christmas started.