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

Throughout a two-year period amid the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, after a recent truce, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured two difficult years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism was down to nothing."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities was not without debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to do since Christmas must never be halted or abandoned. This represents the light of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

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

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

"We're very happy to see the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think every person should visit at minimum one time in their life," she states.

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

For now, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to have people coming back as in the past: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin American and everywhere. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

In the past two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage violence against Israelis. The authority – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic situation means that for many Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of the square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or a show or whatever, he doesn't have the money to expend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a candle nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for tourists to come back to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.