The West Bank city of Bethlehem has lit its main Christmas tree and resumed public celebrations for the first time since the Gaza war severely disrupted tourism and daily life, drawing hundreds of local residents and visitors to Manger Square for music, dancing and family festivities. City authorities and business owners hope the return of lights and events around the Church of the Nativity will begin to revive an economy where a large majority of residents depend on Christian pilgrimages and holiday tourism. The celebrations come after two years in which Bethlehem either cancelled or drastically scaled back Christmas events in solidarity with people in Gaza and because of Israeli military closures and operations across the occupied West Bank. While crowds and foreign tour groups remain...
The West Bank city of Bethlehem has lit its main Christmas tree and resumed public celebrations for the first time since the Gaza war severely disrupted tourism and daily life, drawing hundreds of local residents and visitors to Manger Square for music, dancing and family festivities. City authorities and business owners hope the return of lights and events around the Church of the Nativity will begin to revive an economy where a large majority of residents depend on Christian pilgrimages and holiday tourism. The celebrations come after two years in which Bethlehem either cancelled or drastically scaled back Christmas events in solidarity with people in Gaza and because of Israeli military closures and operations across the occupied West Bank. While crowds and foreign tour groups remain far below pre-war levels, local leaders describe the ceremonies as a modest but meaningful sign that "life is coming back again" to the city.
Highlights:
- Manger Square events: The tree-lighting featured choirs, dabke folk dancing and costumed Santas handing out sweets to children packed into Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity.
- Tourism dependence: Bethlehem’s mayor estimates that around four-fifths of the city’s residents rely directly or indirectly on religious tourism, from hotels and souvenir shops to butchers and supermarkets supplying pilgrim groups.
- Economic hardship: Local officials say the unemployment rate in Bethlehem rose from about 14% before the Gaza war to roughly 65% at its height, forcing thousands of residents to leave in search of work elsewhere.
- Ceasefire backdrop: The festivities take place amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing Israeli restrictions in parts of the West Bank, which have limited movement and deterred many international pilgrims from visiting.
- Symbol of hope: City leaders describe the freshly lit tree, decorated in red and gold, as a symbol of resilience and hope that more stable times will eventually allow Bethlehem to fully welcome pilgrims again.
It’s not like it was before the war but it’s like life is coming back again. - John Juka, Bethlehem restaurant owner
Perspectives:
- Bethlehem municipal leaders: City officials say reviving Christmas events is essential to restarting the local economy and restoring a sense of normalcy after months of closures and military tension. (The New Arab)
- Local business owners: Restaurant and shop owners describe the renewed crowds as a welcome change after years of shuttered storefronts and say even modest visitor numbers make a tangible difference to their livelihoods. (cbsnews.com)
- Palestinian residents: Many residents say they are torn between joy at seeing lights and music back in the streets and sadness over continuing suffering in Gaza, joining the celebrations while also expressing solidarity with families there. (aljazeera.com)
- Religious pilgrims: Christian visitors who did make the trip say witnessing Christmas in Bethlehem during a difficult period adds personal meaning to their pilgrimage and offers a chance to pray for peace in the wider region. (japantoday.com)
Sources:
- Christmas celebrations return in occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem - cbsnews.com
- Bethlehem Christmas tree lit up for first time since Gaza war - straitstimes.com
- Christmas celebrations return to Bethlehem amid war in Gaza - newarab.com
- Bethlehem’s Christmas tree lights up after two years of darkness - aljazeera.com
- As Christmas lights return to Bethlehem, Palestinians look for hope - japantoday.com
- Bethlehem Christmas tree illuminated for first time since Gaza war began - bbc.com