The Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up Once Again After the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event marking the holiday season were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year the festivities would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, large holiday tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"We have endured a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities faced some controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, who often have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to take since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This is a beacon of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Celebration Returns

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

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with signs advertising Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

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

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have remained mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations 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. "I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back as it is sorrowful with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is that you don't have lengthy queues – you can come and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the conflict, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We hope to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have been paid only partial wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, according to a UN agency.

Israel says it is holding the funds because the Authority provides financial 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 social welfare system.

An Austere Holiday

The bleak economic outlook means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are now public festivities as well as religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of the square, some patrons wait to buy hot balls of falafel from several shops.

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

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or whatever, he doesn't have the money to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, bending down near a silver star that indicates the spot where tradition states Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents say they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.