In a poignant ceremony suffused with both solemnity and resilience, the West Bank city of Bethlehem lit its public Christmas tree for the first time in two years, casting a symbolic glow over Manger Square against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza. The event, presided over by Mayor Maher Canawati, marked a deliberate and controversial return to public festivity after a prolonged hiatus, drawing a substantial crowd of local residents and a trickle of visitors to the historic site revered as the birthplace of Jesus.
The decision to reinstate the annual tradition, which includes forthcoming tree lightings in the neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, was not taken lightly. For the past two years, municipal authorities had cancelled all public Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the profound suffering in Gaza and in recognition of local mourning. The resumption this Saturday, following a recent but fragile ceasefire, was framed by city leadership as an act of defiance against despair and a necessary step toward economic survival. Bethlehem’s economy, heavily reliant on pilgrimage and tourism, has been decimated by a confluence of conflict, Israeli movement restrictions, and a stark absence of international visitors.
The two-hour ceremony reflected the complex emotions of the moment. Stripped of its usual exuberant dances and festive songs, the program centered on hymns and prayers for peace, creating a subdued atmosphere that acknowledged the ongoing regional trauma. The towering evergreen, adorned with red and gold ornaments, stood as a focal point for a community yearning for normalcy. Streets now twinkle with lights, and advertisements for Christmas bazaars and children’s parties have reappeared, signaling a cautious attempt to revive seasonal spirit.
For local entrepreneurs, this tentative revival is a lifeline. Business owner Jack Gaccaman, like many others, has witnessed a dramatic decline in commerce, forcing numerous establishments to shutter permanently. An influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel and a modest number of foreign tourists has brought a measure of relief to long-empty hotels. Jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun articulated a sentiment shared by many, stating, "This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about." The event, therefore, serves a dual purpose: an internal morale booster for a weary population and an external signal to the world that Bethlehem remains open.
Nevertheless, the celebration exists within a stark reality. Mayor Canawati acknowledged the inherent tension in holding a festive event while violence persists just miles away, describing the tree as "the light of hope for us." The economic crisis remains severe, with many families having sent members abroad to seek opportunity. As reported by Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh from the square, the moment provided a fleeting respite from years of hardship but was underscored by an acute awareness of ongoing tragedy.
The illumination in Manger Square is thus more than a seasonal ritual; it is a nuanced statement of perseverance. Whether this symbolic act can catalyze a sustained economic recovery or foster a deeper sense of hope remains uncertain. For one evening, however, the familiar glow returned to Bethlehem’s heart, a deliberate and fragile beacon pointing toward a future where peace and celebration might once again align.