The Holiday Tree Lighting Illuminates 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 called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is believed to be where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year celebrations would return, as represented by the lighting of its traditional, large holiday tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no employment, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to do because Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of international visitors.

Vibrant lights now decorate city streets and there are signs advertising holiday markets and festive events for children.

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

"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message globally about what really Christmas should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will deliver a nice message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Difficulties

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

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

"I wish a lot of people will return soon as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is there are no lengthy queues – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

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

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and everywhere. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their wages 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, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining these funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that incentivise violence against Israelis. The authority – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – claims it has recently changed its social welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The grim economic situation implies that for numerous Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public festivities in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of the square, some patrons wait to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," states Alaa Salameh, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its revenues collapse. He says that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but according to their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to take his kids to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

In the cave-like grotto beneath the church, a resident accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a light nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents state they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the place where it is believed Christmas began.