The Holiday Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time After the Start of the Conflict

For two years amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

However, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that now the festivities would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and tourism had fallen to nothing."

He accepts that the idea to restart festivities faced some controversy, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed that this was the correct action to take since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

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

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

"This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message globally of what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

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

"I wish a lot of people will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that's good is you don't have long lines – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours at least."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout Bethlehem have little business, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

At the same time, government employees have been paid just a portion of their wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says it is holding the funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The authority – facing global pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

At the edge of the square, a few customers wait to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for Christmas following one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but according to their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

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