The Holiday Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Start of the Gaza War

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, after the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here from tourism and tourism had fallen to nothing."

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

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate and others say it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take since Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with signs advertising Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"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," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey a message to the world about what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think every person should visit at least once in their life," she states.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that's good is you don't have long lines – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city have little business, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to have people returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development 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 authority – facing international pressure to enact reforms – says it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

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

On the periphery of the square, some patrons wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its revenues collapse. He notes that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or a show or similar, he doesn't have the money to spend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a candle nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.