In brief
After two years of silence due to the Gaza conflict, Bethlehem celebrates the return of Christmas festivities with the lighting of its traditional tree. While the event symbolizes hope, local residents express mixed feelings about the timing amidst ongoing suffering.
For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank – where Christians believe Jesus was born.
But after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work, says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero.
The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.
Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate, Mr Canawati tells me. 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.
Locals – both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists. Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets and there are signs advertising Christmas bazaars and children's parties.
We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit, says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun, who adds that this year should send a message of peace to the world.
The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.
For many Palestinian Christians, however, this year’s Christmas festivities will be austere, reflecting the grim economic outlook post-Gaza conflict. Alaa Salameh, owner of a family restaurant, notes that many families cannot even afford basic celebrations, highlighting the economic struggles that overshadow the festivities.
Despite the challenges, the lighting of the Christmas tree symbolizes both resilience and hope in Bethlehem, as residents wish for peace and a resurgence of tourism to bring life back to the city where it is believed Christmas began.
