Thousands Gather in Bethlehem to Celebrate Christmas Spirit

Thousands of people celebrated Christmas in Manger Square, Bethlehem, on December 24, 2023, marking a joyful return to festive traditions after two years of war-influenced somber observances. Families gathered amidst music and decorations, welcoming back the giant Christmas tree that had been absent during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The atmosphere was lively, with a parade featuring hundreds of scouts performing familiar Christmas melodies on bagpipes, in stark contrast to the muted celebrations of previous years.

The city of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict. For the past two years, decorations and festive events were notably scarce. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, initiated the Christmas festivities with a traditional procession from Jerusalem. He urged attendees to embrace a “Christmas full of light,” stating, “After two years of darkness, we need light.”

Upon arriving in Manger Square, the Cardinal conveyed greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, where he had conducted a pre-Christmas Mass. He highlighted the resilience and hope he encountered amidst the devastation, stating, “We, all together, we decide to be the light, and the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world.” This message resonated with the diverse crowd of both Christians and Muslims who had gathered.

Despite the holiday cheer, the impact of the conflict remains palpable, particularly in Bethlehem, where approximately 80% of residents rely on tourism-related businesses, according to local government data. The majority of those celebrating were locals, with only a few international visitors present. Some residents expressed optimism as they noticed small signs of change, suggesting a gradual return of domestic tourism, which they hope will lead to the revival of international visitors.

“This is a day of joy, a day of hope, the beginning of the return of normal life here,” said Georgette Jackaman, a tour guide who has not worked in over two years. She noted that many people are eager to celebrate despite their struggles. She and her husband, also a tour guide, have resorted to selling Palestinian crafts online to support their family during these challenging times.

The economic ramifications of the conflict are stark. During the Gaza war, unemployment in Bethlehem soared from 14% to 65%, according to Maher Nicola Canawati, the city’s mayor. “People are still afraid to come visit,” Georgette stated, emphasizing the need for tourism to help the local economy recover.

In the midst of these challenges, visitors like Mona Riewer, a physiotherapist from France, arrived to better understand the realities faced by Palestinians. Despite concerns from friends and family about the volatile situation, she found meaning in marking Christmas in Bethlehem, saying, “Christmas is like hope in very dark situations, a very vulnerable child experiencing harshness.”

The festive event attracted attention not only for its joyful spirit but also for the ongoing political tensions. Although a ceasefire was declared in October, Israeli military operations continue in the West Bank, with frequent raids aimed at militants. The situation remains tense, with incidents of violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians increasing significantly.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to attend the midnight Mass for the first time in two years, indicating a potential shift in local leadership engagement in community events. The mayor reported that around 4,000 residents have left Bethlehem in search of work, contributing to a worrying trend for the Christian population, which now constitutes less than 2% of the West Bank’s approximately three million residents.

As Christmas festivities unfolded, many attendees reflected on the rich traditions that have defined Bethlehem. The parade of Palestinian scout bands, a cherished Christmas custom, saw children and young adults proudly display their heritage. Irene Kirmiz, who grew up in Bethlehem and now resides in Ramallah, shared her emotional experience of attending the parade, noting the challenges of travel due to increased checkpoints.

“It’s very emotional seeing people trying to bounce back, trying to celebrate peace and love,” Ms. Kirmiz remarked. She recalled her childhood in Bethlehem and the vital role of tourism in sustaining the local community. Despite the hardships, the spirit of hope and resilience shone brightly as families gathered to celebrate the holiday, emphasizing a collective wish for peace and prosperity in the future.