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

For two years amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, after a recent truce, this sacred city determined that now celebrations would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

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

The mayor accepts that the decision of resuming celebrations faced some controversy, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to take since the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets with signs promoting holiday markets and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors to Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can send a message globally 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 Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx 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 every person should visit at least once in their life," she states.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that you don't have long lines – you can come and see more things. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, tour guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with people.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin American and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have been paid just a portion of their salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds because the PA makes payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The authority – facing international pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The grim economic situation means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are currently public festivities as well as religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

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

"We are getting ready for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently numerous families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the funds to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a resident accompanies a tour group from India, stooping down by a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed where Christmas started.