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Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank, has officially reignited its Christmas celebrations, marking a poignant return of festivities after a two-year pause brought on by the Gaza war. The historic city, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, signaled this renewal with the ceremonial lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Nativity Church.
Mayor Maher Canawati described the past two years as a “bad two years of silence,” highlighting the severe economic impact on a city heavily reliant on tourism. “No Christmas, no jobs, no work,” Mayor Canawati explained, noting that tourism had plummeted to zero. While acknowledging the delicate timing given ongoing suffering in Gaza, including its Christian community with ties to Bethlehem, the mayor affirmed his decision. “Deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us,” he stated.
In Manger Square, locals, both Christians and Muslims, gathered to capture selfies in front of the beautifully adorned tree. A modest number of international visitors also joined the celebration. The city’s streets are now illuminated with festive lights, and signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children’s parties are visible throughout. Nadya Hazboun, a local jewellery designer, expressed the community’s joy. “We’re very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit,” she told Millenium TV. Hazboun added that Bethlehem serves as a crucial point to “send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about.”
Beyond Bethlehem, nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also preparing for their own tree lighting ceremonies. Hotels, which largely remained vacant for the past two years, are now reporting a surge in bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel and some foreign tourists. However, the economic recovery remains fragile. Souvenir shops continue to see little business, and tour guides often stand idle outside the Nativity Church, a site once bustling with visitors.
One tour guide, Hamza, conveyed concerns that persistent news coverage might deter potential tourists, despite his assurances that the area is safe for visitors. “This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life,” Hamza lamented, expressing hope for a return to pre-war tourist numbers from across the globe.
The broader economic landscape in Bethlehem remains challenging. Unemployment has surged dramatically in the last two years. Since the October 2023 attacks, tens of thousands of Palestinian laborers from the West Bank have been unable to access work in Israel and its settlements. Furthermore, public servants under the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, have only received partial salaries due to Israel’s withholding of tax revenues, amounting to an estimated $1.76 billion.
Alaa Salameh, owner of the long-standing family restaurant Afteem, highlighted the grim reality for many. He noted that despite the return of public events, this Christmas would be austere for many Palestinian Christians, with some families unable to afford even basic, inexpensive meals like falafel. “Christians will try to celebrate but according to their situation,” Salameh explained.
As tensions persist across the region, the people of Bethlehem are united in their prayers for peace and their fervent hope for the renewed return of tourists to the sacred ground where the Christmas story began.
© Millenium TV
