The Holiday Tree Lights Up for the First Time Since the Outbreak of the Gaza War

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

But, following the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to nothing."

The mayor accepts that the idea to restart festivities faced some debate, given the ongoing hardship in Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it's appropriate," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the right thing to do since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for our community."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

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

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets with signs advertising holiday markets and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its authentic spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where it all started, therefore here is where we can send a message globally about what really Christmas should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will deliver a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

The neighbouring towns including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – are seeing a rise of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as certain international tourists.

A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "In my view everyone needs to come at minimum one time in their life," she says.

"I wish many visitors will return soon as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is that there are no long lines – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit you had to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale 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 tourist city; without tourism there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to have people returning like before: 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 Impact

In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Following the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

At the same time, public servants have received just a portion of their salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income collected by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage violence against Israelis. The PA – facing international pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The grim economic situation means that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers wait to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, an owner of Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He says lately many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend on these celebrations."

Hopes for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a resident follows a small Indian tour group, bending down near a silver star that indicates the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a light close by.

With tensions still high throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for peace – and wishing for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.