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

For two years during the Gaza war, every festive public event for Christmas 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.

However, after a recent truce, the holy city determined that now celebrations would make a comeback, as represented by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been two difficult years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no income," states the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives on tourism and the tourist trade had fallen to zero."

He acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities was not without debate, given the ongoing hardship within Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, many of whom 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 because the Christmas season should never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Celebration Reappears

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with gold and red ornaments in Manger Square. They are accompanied by a small number of foreign tourists.

Vibrant lights now adorn the streets and there are 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 observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, so this is where we can send a message globally about what really Christmas represents. And this year, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a nice message for the entire world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

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

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she says.

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit you had to wait in line for a few hours at least."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, tour guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and all over. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed in Bethlehem. Following the lethal Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have been paid only partial wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of 1.76 billion dollars, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israel says it is holding these funds because the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise violence against Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic situation means that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events in addition to religious ceremonies, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as a Palestinian people and as a Christian community," says Alaa Salameh, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery that has witnessed its income plummet. He says lately many families could not even purchase falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or a show or whatever, he doesn't have the funds to spend on these celebrations."

Prayers for Calm and Recovery

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman follows a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location where it is believed Christmas began.