The Holiday Tree Lights Up for the First Time Since the Start of the Gaza War

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following a recent truce, this sacred city determined that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no Christmas, no employment, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without controversy, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – which affects members of the tiny Christian community, who often have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

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

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets and there are signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children.

"We are delighted to see the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its true spirit," says Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send the message globally of what Christmas truly represents. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is there are no long lines – you can come and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours at least."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

In the past two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding the funds because the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The bleak economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities as well as religious services, it will constitute a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to purchase 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 a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes lately numerous families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the funds to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star which marks the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and hoping for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.