The Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up Once Again Since the Outbreak of the Gaza War

Throughout a two-year period during the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to take since Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

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

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can convey the message globally of what Christmas truly represents. And now, if the season is calm, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects 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 remained mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that there are no long lines – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours at least."

Currently, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, tour guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

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

Meanwhile, public servants have received only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its social welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The grim economic outlook implies that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

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

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festival or a show or similar, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said Jesus was born and igniting a candle nearby.

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