Since the Gaza war broke out over two years ago, Bethlehem has had a somewhat dark Christmas. It’s the first time since then that the Christmas Tree is lighting up the night sky with a glimmer of hope and joy in the region. Believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank has been overshadowed by Israel’s genocide in Gaza. This year, however, Palestinians decided to celebrate Christmas by lighting the traditional, giant tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
While the decision to resume celebrations was met with controversy as suffering continues in Gaza, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati shared that Christmas brings a light of hope for the people. Even reluctantly, the brightly colored lights adorn the streets, with signs advertising Christmas bazaars to provide a sense of normalcy.
This year’s Christmas celebrations are limited to religious rituals, attended by church leaders and local officials, who oversee a modest tree-lighting ceremony. For the lighting of the 65-foot Christmas Tree at the edge of Manger Square, thousands of locals gathered in the square, singing hymns and carols. It was the only form of festivity that felt right at a time when joy was eclipsed by mourning and a yearning for freedom.
In the past two years, much has changed for a vast population in Gaza. Lives have been lost, and the economy has suffered gravely, further souring the Christmas spirit. Despite this, Bethlehem stands tall, relying on hope rather than income.
With conflicts still high across the region, people in Bethlehem are praying for peace and hope for tourism to resume. Locals are optimistic that tourists will soon return to the place where it is believed Christmas began, once the war is over, reflecting the power of hope and a glimmer of festive spirit.
Although tourists and pilgrims are slowly starting to return to Bethlehem post implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of war in Gaza, the air is heavy with grief and loss, somewhat dampening the spirits. With two or three buses of visitors a day coming to the Nativity Church, Christmas in Bethlehem may just bring the sense of peace and normalcy that the locals have been praying for.
Via: BBC
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