Bethlehem Celebrates Christmas Tree Lighting After Two-Year Hiatus

A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles was illuminated in Bethlehem on Saturday night, marking the first public celebration since the onset of the Gaza conflict. The event took place in Manger Square, a significant site for Christians, as the city continues to grapple with the repercussions of the war that began in October 2023. The 20-metre tree was last lit during the Christmas season of 2022.

Thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank and Israel gathered to witness the lighting, which occurred shortly before 20:00 local time. The crowd erupted in cheers as the lights flickered on, symbolizing a moment of joy amid ongoing turmoil. “We came to celebrate, watch and enjoy, because for several years we haven’t had the chance,” said Randa Bsoul, a 67-year-old Palestinian from Haifa.

The backdrop of this celebration is a war that has devastated Gaza, home to approximately 2 million Palestinians. The reported death toll in the territory has surpassed 70,000 since the conflict began, following a surprise attack by Hamas that resulted in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Although Gaza lies about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Bethlehem, the impact of the war is keenly felt across the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where many residents have family and friends affected by the violence.

Economic hardships have compounded the crisis in Bethlehem. One local shopkeeper, who requested anonymity due to fears of reprisals, described the past two years as “like hell.” The shopkeeper noted that tourism, a critical component of Bethlehem’s economy, has significantly declined. “We are trying our best to keep going,” they said, highlighting the tightening Israeli restrictions on Palestinian movement and the erection of new military checkpoints.

The ongoing conflict has also led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the northern West Bank due to military actions. While a ceasefire was established as part of a U.S. initiative in October, Israeli air strikes continue under the pretext of targeting militant infrastructure. Both Hamas and Israeli officials have accused each other of violating the truce.

As residents of Bethlehem illuminated their Christmas tree, Mayor Maher Canawati expressed a sentiment shared by many. “The wound of Gaza is our wound,” he stated. “The light of Christmas has no meaning unless it first touches the hearts of the afflicted and the oppressed all over Palestine.”

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, the lighting ceremony offered a glimmer of hope for many. Diana Babush, a resident from Bethlehem, conveyed the collective yearning for peace. “We are looking for hope,” she said. “We hope that we can have peace and prosperity.”

Unlike previous years, there were no fireworks to mark the occasion, a solemn reminder of the prevailing tensions. “It’s scary because no one knows what will happen in the future. But we are hopeful,” reflected Randa Bsoul, emphasizing the fragile balance between celebration and sorrow in these challenging times.