Bethlehem Christmas Tree Returns After Two Years of War
The traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ witnessed the return of Christmas celebrations on Saturday as Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza conflict began over two years ago.
The ceremony at Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, marked a significant moment for the West Bank city that has endured considerable hardship since Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israel in October 2023.
Adorned with red and gold baubles, the Christmas tree stood as a beacon of resilience against the backdrop of ongoing regional instability. After a two-hour ceremony, the tree was illuminated to thunderous cheers, its yellow lights twinkling beneath a star-studded sky.
Symbol of Endurance
"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 gathering represented a rare display of unity, bringing together Christians and Muslims from across Palestinian territories and Israel.
For local businesses, the celebration offered a glimmer of hope after two devastating years. Mike Shahen, 43, who operates a ceramic store on the square, welcomed the handful of visitors who ventured inside for purchases. "It's a message for the world that it's calm," he said.
The emotional significance was not lost on international visitors. Liyu Lu, 50, who travelled from northern Israel near the Lebanese border, reflected on the absence of such celebrations: "This event didn't happen for the last two years because of the war and it's quite emotional after two years of nothing but war and death."
Economic Devastation
Bethlehem's tourism-dependent economy has suffered catastrophically since the conflict began. The city had only recently recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact when the October 2023 attacks plunged the region into fresh turmoil.
"COVID was bad but nothing like the last two years," Shahen admitted, highlighting the severity of the current crisis facing local merchants and service providers.
Travel restrictions and increased security measures have compounded the difficulties. Israeli military checkpoints create lengthy delays, whilst violence across the West Bank, occupied since 1967, has surged dramatically since the Gaza war commenced.
Cautious Recovery
Despite the challenges, Christian pilgrims from Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe have begun returning in modest numbers. Fabien Safar, director of Terra Dei pilgrimage organisation, reported small groups planning Christmas visits this year, with bookings already emerging for 2026.
However, Safar cautioned that meaningful recovery remains distant: "This obviously depends on how the situation evolves" in both Gaza and Lebanon, where Israeli strikes continue despite the November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The fragile nature of the current calm was evident as thousands gathered for Saturday's ceremony, many having endured hours of travel through checkpoints to reach Bethlehem. The celebration, whilst joyous, served as a poignant reminder of the region's ongoing struggles and the resilience of its people in maintaining cherished traditions despite adversity.