Bethlehem Grapples with the Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on Holiday Festivities
On Christmas Eve, the normally vibrant streets of Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, were hauntingly silent. The traditional celebrations in Manger Square were called off due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, casting a shadow over the festive spirit that typically fills the air.
The iconic Manger Square, devoid of its festive lights and Christmas tree, stood as a stark contrast to the usual scenes of jubilant crowds and foreign tourists. The absence of the colorful youth marching bands, an annual highlight, added to the surreal atmosphere. Instead, the square was patrolled by Palestinian security forces, emphasizing the impact of the conflict on this sacred place.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam, expressed the prevailing somber mood: “This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness.” His gaze fell upon a nativity scene with a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, symbolizing the thousands of children lost in the conflict in Gaza. Barbed wire surrounded the scene, reflecting none of the usual joy that defines the Christmas season.
The cancellation of Christmas festivities delivered a severe blow to Bethlehem’s economy, where tourism accounts for approximately 70% of the town’s income, predominantly during the Christmas season. The closure of over 70 hotels and the subsequent unemployment of thousands underscored the economic hardships faced by the community.
Christmas Eve, typically the busiest day for businesses like Afteem Restaurant, witnessed a subdued atmosphere. Ala’a Salameh, one of the restaurant owners, explained, “We can’t justify putting out a tree and celebrating as normal when some people (in Gaza) don’t even have houses to go to.”
Beyond Bethlehem, the Israel-Hamas conflict has disrupted life across the West Bank, with long lines at military checkpoints and restricted access to Palestinian towns. The challenges extended to the economic sphere, where businesses like “Il Bambino” faced a lack of tourists and diminished local spending.
Bethlehem’s mayor, Hana Haniyeh, addressed the crowd under a banner reading “Bethlehem’s Christmas bells ring for a cease-fire in Gaza.” She conveyed a message of sadness, grief, and anger in the face of the international community, highlighting the toll of the conflict that has claimed over 20,000 Palestinian lives and displaced 85% of Gaza’s population.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As Amir Michael Giacaman opened his store, “Il Bambino,” for the first time since October, the absence of tourists and the financial struggles of local residents were evident. Celebrating Jesus amid these challenges, Safa Giacaman, Amir’s wife, remarked, “This year, we’re telling the Christmas story. We’re celebrating Jesus, not the tree, not Santa Claus.”
In the midst of adversity, Bethlehem’s residents, business owners, and religious figures grapple with a different kind of Christmas—one that emphasizes resilience, compassion, and a collective hope for peace.
