The Christmas Tree Lighting Lights Up Once Again After the Start of the Gaza War

For two years amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were cancelled in Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is believed to be where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

However, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that now celebrations would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade was down to nothing."

He accepts that the idea to restart festivities was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, who often have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt this constituted the right thing to do since Christmas should never be halted or abandoned. This is the light of hope for our community."

A Spark of Celebration Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – pose for selfies before the tree hung with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of international visitors.

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

"We are delighted to see the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can send a message to the world about what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is on 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 soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The only thing that's good is there are no long lines – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under global pressure to make reforms – says it has recently changed its welfare system.

A Modest Holiday

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

At the edge of the square, a few customers are waiting to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for the holiday following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its revenues collapse. 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 situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, they lack the funds to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the church, a resident follows a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states that Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

With tensions still high throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for tranquility – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.