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

For two years amid the Gaza war, every festive public event for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is where Christians believe the birth of Jesus occurred.

But, after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that now the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no holiday, 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 faced some debate, as suffering continues within Gaza – including for those in its small Christian population, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to do since the Christmas season must never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Locals – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs in front of the tree hung with gold and red ornaments at Manger Square. They are accompanied by a handful of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and festive events for children.

"We are delighted 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 is where it all started, therefore here is where we can send the message to the world of what Christmas truly represents. 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 of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to light holiday trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is on her second pilgrimage to this region. "I think every person should visit at least once during their lifetime," she states.

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

For now, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem experience scant trade, and outside the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Before the Gaza war, it was typically packed with people.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; absent visitors there is no life," expresses one guide Hamza. "We hope to see individuals coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and everywhere. We begin with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Impact

Over the last two years, unemployment has skyrocketed within Bethlehem. Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks 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.

Meanwhile, public servants have received only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to a UN agency.

Israeli officials state it is holding these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – facing global pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic outlook implies that for many Palestinian Christians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious services, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of the square, some patrons are waiting to buy sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We are getting ready for the holiday after one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He says lately many families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"The faithful will attempt to mark the occasion but based on their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down by a silver star which marks the location where it is said that Jesus was born and lighting a light nearby.

With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem state they are hoping for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.