Bethlehem, the city where Christians believe Jesus was born, has witnessed a symbol of resilience and hope as its iconic Christmas tree lights up for the first time since the onset of the Gaza war. For two years, due to the ongoing conflict and its profound impact on the local economy and tourism, all public Christmas celebrations were canceled. However, following the recent ceasefire, Bethlehem decided to resume its festivities, signaling a return to normalcy and hope for the future, despite ongoing tensions in Gaza.
The lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Manger Square, located right in front of the historic Nativity Church, was more than just the illumination of a holiday symbol. It was a defiant declaration of life continuing amid hardship. This year’s festivities represent not only the return of holiday cheer to the holy city but also a message of peace and renewal for the local community, many of whom have endured two years of silence, isolation, and economic turmoil.
A Community in Crisis: The Impact of the Gaza Conflict
For those living in Bethlehem, the past two years have been marked by silence where once there was joy. The Gaza war, which erupted in October 2023 after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, severely disrupted daily life in the West Bank. Bethlehem, known for its thriving tourism industry, saw a drastic decline in visitors, with local businesses and families facing financial hardship.
Bethlehem’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with the Nativity Church and Manger Square being central to the city’s economic health. The war effectively brought this flow of international visitors to a halt. Mayor Maher Canawati described the period as “bad two years of silence,” highlighting how the local economy, based primarily on tourism, plunged to zero. Without tourists, Bethlehem’s businesses, especially those centered around religious tourism, struggled to survive. Many workers, including Palestinian laborers from the West Bank, were also barred from entering Israel for employment, further exacerbating the crisis.
With the holiday season approaching and the recent ceasefire, however, Bethlehem saw an opportunity for rebirth. The decision to reignite the Christmas celebrations, despite the ongoing struggles in Gaza, was not taken lightly. Mayor Canawati expressed the complex emotions surrounding this decision: “Some may say it’s not appropriate and others say it’s appropriate,” he said. “But 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.”
Lighting the Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Resilience
The lighting of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree this year is symbolic of more than just the start of the holiday season. It signifies the resilience of the people in the face of unimaginable challenges. The giant tree, adorned with red and gold baubles, stands tall in Manger Square, drawing both locals and a small number of foreign tourists, who have slowly returned to the city. It’s a visible reminder of faith, tradition, and the triumph of hope over adversity.
“This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about,” says local jewelry designer Nadya Hazboun. For Hazboun, the tree is not just a holiday decoration; it’s a reminder that despite the darkness, the spirit of Christmas remains unbroken. As locals pose for selfies in front of the tree, they are not just celebrating Christmas—they are celebrating the resilience of their community.
The Return of Tourists: A Slow Revival
For the first time in two years, Bethlehem is beginning to feel the return of tourism. This year, local businesses and hotels, which had faced almost no business during the conflict, are starting to experience a small influx of bookings, especially from Palestinian citizens of Israel. Though the number of foreign tourists is still limited, the first signs of recovery are evident.
Russian tourist Angelica, who is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land, expresses hope for the future: “I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life,” she says. For many tourists, Bethlehem represents not only a religious journey but also a chance to experience the heart of Christmas. The lack of crowds this year, while a sad reminder of the city’s struggles, also offers tourists a rare opportunity to explore without long waiting lines.
Local guides and shopkeepers, however, remain cautious. “This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life,” says Hamza, a local tour guide. Despite his concerns, he remains optimistic that the lighting of the Christmas tree will signal the beginning of a larger return of visitors from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Economic Struggles Amidst Holiday Spirit
Though the tree is shining bright and festivities are taking place, the economic strain on Bethlehem’s residents is far from over. With unemployment soaring and many businesses still struggling, this Christmas will be celebrated by many Palestinian Christians in an austere manner. Alaa Salameh, the owner of Afteem, a well-known family restaurant in Bethlehem, notes that his business has seen a sharp decline in customers. “We’re preparing for Christmas after one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as Christians,” Salameh says.
Many families are struggling to afford basic items, let alone festive activities. “Someone who wants to take his kids to a festival or the theatre… they don’t have the money to spend for this celebration,” Salameh says, reflecting the difficult reality for many Bethlehem residents. Despite the challenges, there is a determination to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
A Fragile Peace: Prayers for the Future
Tensions remain high in the region, and many in Bethlehem are still reeling from the effects of the Gaza war. In the cave-like grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, where tradition says Jesus was born, a woman lights a candle. It’s a simple act, but it holds profound meaning in these difficult times. For the people of Bethlehem, Christmas is not only a religious celebration; it is an act of resilience and a prayer for peace.
As Christmas celebrations begin to unfold across Bethlehem, locals remain hopeful that the festivities can send a message of peace to the world. “This year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world,” says Hazboun. Indeed, the tree lighting is not just about returning to normal—it’s about sending a message of hope to the world, reminding everyone that despite the hardships, the Christmas spirit remains alive in Bethlehem.
The Symbolism of Christmas in Bethlehem
Bethlehem’s decision to light the Christmas tree this year is far more than a celebration of a holiday. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit of a community that refuses to be broken. For the people of Bethlehem, the tree is a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can still shine through.
As Bethlehem slowly recovers from the devastating effects of the Gaza war, the return of tourists and the resumption of public celebrations are signs that the city is finding its way back to life. While the economic and political challenges remain, the people of Bethlehem continue to hold onto the hope that this Christmas will mark the beginning of peace, prosperity, and a return to a brighter future for all.
