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

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, following a recent truce, the holy city decided that now the festivities would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism was down to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – which affects those in its small Christian population, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable and others say it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I believed this constituted the right thing to take since Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," says Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send the message globally of what really Christmas represents. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view every person should visit at minimum one time during their lifetime," she says.

"I hope a lot of people will return soon as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that's good is that there are no long lines – one can visit and see more things. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for a few hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to have people returning like before: from Europe, the Middle East, America, Latin American and everywhere. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

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

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic situation means that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

At the edge of the square, some patrons wait to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," says Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He says lately many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

In the cave-like grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star which marks the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a light nearby.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the place which is thought to be where Christmas started.