Bethlehem Christmas Tree Returns After Two-Year Gaza War Hiatus
The traditional birthplace of Christ witnessed a poignant moment of hope on Saturday as Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza conflict erupted over two years ago, marking a tentative return to normalcy in the troubled region.
Standing proudly in Manger Square beside the historic Church of the Nativity, the tree adorned with red and gold baubles served as a beacon of resilience for thousands of Christian and Muslim attendees who gathered despite the ongoing regional tensions.
Symbol of Endurance Amid Conflict
The illumination ceremony, absent since Hamas's devastating attack on Israel in October 2023, drew visitors from across the Palestinian territories, Israel, and beyond. The tree's yellow lights twinkled against the night sky, crowned by a bright red star that seemed to pierce through the uncertainty that has gripped the Holy Land.
"It's like a symbol for resilience," observed 27-year-old Abeer Shtaya, who travelled 100 kilometres from Salfit with university students to witness the historic moment. The sentiment reflected the broader determination of local communities to maintain their cultural and religious traditions despite extraordinary circumstances.
Economic Devastation Worse Than Pandemic
The celebration comes as Bethlehem continues to grapple with severe economic hardship. Local business owner Mike Shahen, whose ceramic store overlooks the square, noted that the impact has been catastrophic for the tourism-dependent city.
"Covid was bad but nothing like the last two years," Shahen remarked, highlighting how the conflict has devastated an economy that had only just recovered from pandemic restrictions in 2022.
The city's reliance on Christian pilgrimage tourism, particularly from Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, has left it vulnerable to regional instability. While some visitors have begun returning in recent months, numbers remain drastically reduced.
Cautious Optimism for Recovery
Fabien Safar, director of Terra Dei pilgrimage organisation, expressed cautious optimism about future bookings, with some groups planned for Christmas 2025 and early reservations for 2026. However, he warned that full recovery may not materialise until 2027, contingent on regional stability.
"This obviously depends on how the situation evolves" in both Gaza and Lebanon, Safar explained, noting that pilgrims remain apprehensive about ongoing hostilities despite November's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The challenges extend beyond the immediate conflict zone. Israeli military checkpoints throughout the West Bank have created significant travel delays, with some visitors reporting journeys of several hours to reach Bethlehem. Violence in the occupied territory has also escalated since the Gaza war began, adding another layer of concern for potential visitors.
For the thousands who did attend Saturday's ceremony, including families with young children watching from balconies and rooftops, the event represented more than mere celebration. It embodied a defiant assertion of hope and continuity in a region where such moments have become increasingly precious.
As the tree's lights illuminate Manger Square once again, they serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and tradition to transcend even the most challenging circumstances, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in the Holy Land.