🔗 Share this article Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Illuminates for the First Time Since the Outbreak of the Gaza War Throughout a two-year period amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred. But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church. "We have endured a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to zero." He acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities faced some 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 is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the right thing to take because the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us." A Glimmer of Festivity Returns Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors. Vibrant lights now decorate city streets and there are signs promoting holiday markets and festive events for children. "We're very happy to see the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun. "This is where everything began, so this is where we can convey the message to the world about what really Christmas should be about. And now, if the season is calm, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world." Economic Hopes and Challenges The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors. A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states. "I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect 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 souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people. "This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait." The Persistent Economic Impact Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work. Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency. Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system. A Modest Christmas Season The grim economic outlook implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas. On the periphery of the square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from a row of shops. "We are getting ready for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food. "Christians will try to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend for this celebration." Prayers for Peace and Prosperity In the cave-like grotto beneath the church, a local woman accompanies a tour group from India, bending down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a candle nearby. Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.
Throughout a two-year period amid the Gaza war, every festive public event marking the holiday season were called off in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This place is believed to be where the faithful hold the birth of Jesus occurred. But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city decided that this year the festivities would return, as symbolised by the lighting of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church. "We have endured a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism had fallen to zero." He acknowledges that the idea to restart festivities faced some 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 is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "However, in my heart, I felt this constituted the right thing to take because the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us." A Glimmer of Festivity Returns Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies before the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors. Vibrant lights now decorate city streets and there are signs promoting holiday markets and festive events for children. "We're very happy to see the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun. "This is where everything began, so this is where we can convey the message to the world about what really Christmas should be about. And now, if the season is calm, then I hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world." Economic Hopes and Challenges The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels – which have stood mostly vacant for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors. A visitor from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states. "I hope a lot of people will soon come back because it's sad without many tourists. The sole aspect 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 souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which date back to the 4th century, guides are mostly unoccupied. Before the Gaza war, it was often crammed with people. "This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," expresses a guide named Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait." The Persistent Economic Impact Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Following the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 which triggered the war, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements for work. Meanwhile, government employees have been paid just a portion of their wages from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – that administers parts of the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax revenues gathered by Israel, which it is currently holding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency. Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides financial payments to Palestinian prisoners that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – says it has lately modified its welfare system. A Modest Christmas Season The grim economic outlook implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public events in addition to religious services, it will constitute an austere Christmas. On the periphery of the square, a few customers wait to buy hot balls of falafel from a row of shops. "We are getting ready for the holiday following one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as Christians," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family-run eatery which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional food. "Christians will try to celebrate but based on their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festive event or a show or similar, he doesn't have the funds to expend for this celebration." Prayers for Peace and Prosperity In the cave-like grotto beneath the church, a local woman accompanies a tour group from India, bending down by a silver star which marks the spot where it is said that Jesus was born and igniting a candle nearby. Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are hoping for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be Christmas began.