The Holiday Tree Lights Up for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Gaza War

For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that now celebrations would make a comeback, as represented by the lighting of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured two difficult years without celebration; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, who often have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the right thing to do since Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This represents the light of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs before the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

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

"We're very happy to see the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, so this is where we can convey a message globally about what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees soon. Local hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – are seeing a rise in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as 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 in their life," she says.

"I wish many visitors will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is you don't have long lines – you can come and see more things. When I came before it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores scattered throughout Bethlehem have little business, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, tour guides are mostly unoccupied. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We begin with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for 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 relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook means that for numerous Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers are waiting to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

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

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event 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 local woman 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 lighting a candle close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, Bethlehem residents say they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.