Bethlehem Christmas tree illuminated for the first time following Gaza conflict

Festive spirit returned to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Saturday as the city lit up its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza war erupted over two years ago. Adorned with red and gold ornaments, the tree near the Church of the Nativity on Manger Square now stands as a symbol of hope and renewal.

After a two-hour ceremony, the tree was illuminated to applause, its golden lights sparkling under a clouded sky with a glowing red star crowning the top. A nearly full moon added to the scene, casting a gentle glow over the celebrations.

This marks the first major holiday celebration since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. It represents resilience, said 27-year-old Abeer Shtaya from Al-Zaytoonah University of Science and Technology in Salfit. She traveled 100 kilometers with fellow students to join Bethlehems festivities. We want to celebrate together with our brothers and sisters here.

Mike Shahen, 43, who runs a ceramics shop on the square, described the event as a message of peace for the world as a few visitors stopped by during the celebrations.

Thousands attended, including Christians and Muslims from across the Palestinian territories and Israel, with some coming from even farther away. Families and children filled rooftops and balconies to witness the tree lighting, while nuns observed from nearby. Laughter and cheers rang out despite occasional rain.

Its emotional after two years of war and hardship, said 50-year-old Liyu Lu, who traveled from northern Israel near the Lebanon border. Originally from China and living in Israel, she attended with a group including Gary Lau, a Christian visitor staying in Jerusalem. Being here, with the festivities, feels very special, Lau, 51, said, soaking in the atmosphere.

For the past two years, Bethlehems Christmas was subdued, with no public celebrations. However, Christian pilgrims, especially from Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, have slowly returned. Fabien Safar, director of Terra Dei pilgrimages, noted that while small groups are attending this year, full recovery in tourism may not occur until 2027, depending on developments in Gaza and Lebanon.

Despite a ceasefire in November 2024 meant to end hostilities with Hezbollah, Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, and many pilgrims remain cautious due to ongoing regional tensions. Bethlehems economy, heavily reliant on tourism, suffered greatly during the last two years, compounded by travel restrictions and increased violence in the West Bank since the 2023 Hamas attack.

Covid was difficult, but nothing compared to the last two years, Shahen said. Visitors from Israel and Palestinian territories often spent hours traveling to Bethlehem, navigating military checkpoints and heavy traffic. Yet, despite these challenges, the citys Christmas celebration brought a moment of joy and hope to locals and visitors alike.

Author: Jackson Miller