The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Gaza War

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

However, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city determined that this year celebrations would make a comeback, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"We have endured a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no jobs, no income," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to nothing."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, who often 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 right thing to do since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

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

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with 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 observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send a message to the world about what Christmas truly represents. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she states.

"I wish many visitors will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The only thing 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 a queue for hours at least."

For now, the gift shops dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Since the lethal Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the war, many thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have received only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of 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 these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its social welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

The bleak economic situation implies that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events as well as religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger 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 a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says one restaurant owner, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says that recently many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or whatever, he doesn't have the funds to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and wishing for tourists to come back to the place which is thought to be where Christmas started.