The Holiday Tree Lights Up for the First Time After the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the Gaza war, all public celebrations marking the holiday season were called off within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is believed to be where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city determined that now celebrations would return, as represented by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been two difficult years of silence; no holiday, no employment, no work," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and tourism had fallen to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations faced some controversy, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – which affects members of the tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt this constituted the correct action to take since the Christmas season should never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

Residents – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs before the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," says Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can convey a message globally about what really Christmas represents. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for the past 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 everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she says.

"I hope many visitors will return soon because it's sad with few tourists. The only thing that is positive is you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours minimum."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Church of the Nativity, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the conflict, it was often crammed with visitors.

"This is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no life," laments one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Impact

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked 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 only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The PA depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

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

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of the square, some patrons are waiting to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for the holiday following one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as Christians," says Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"The faithful will attempt to celebrate but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festive event or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said Jesus was born and lighting a candle close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for peace – and hoping for tourists to come back to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.