On Christmas Eve 2024, the streets of Bethlehem were eerily quiet, marking the second consecutive year of restrained celebrations due to the devastation of war. Traditionally vibrant, this holy city, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, was subdued as residents faced the realities of both economic struggle and emotional toll from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The day, usually signified by lively crowds and bright decorations, was met with stalls shuttered and streets almost empty. The checkpoint from East Jerusalem, typically buzzing with visitors, saw scarcely any activity. Local resident Anna, once a tour operator, noted the significant decline of tourism, stating, "Previously, my groups were filled with pilgrims; now, many have fled or simply don’t come anymore." This absence has contributed to the grim atmosphere enveloping Manger Square, the heart of Bethlehem.
The lack of festive elements was palpable, as streets remained unadorned, and the absence of the customary grand Christmas tree was especially notable. Father Ibrahim Faltas of the Latin Patriarchate lamented, "Christmas this year is the saddest I have witnessed," emphasizing how over 147 Christian families have sought refuge abroad since the war began, worried for their futures.
The war's grip has left many without jobs and salaries. According to local reports, occupancy rates of Bethlehem’s nearly 5,000 hotels plunged from around 80% to less than 3%. With the multitude of tourists gone, shopkeeper Ramzi Sabella recounted, "I can hardly recall the last time I served someone from abroad. Business has dried up, and even locals are limited by their financial struggles.”
Despite these hardships, local clergy and citizens clung to their traditions. Gatherings outside the Church of the Nativity continued, with families uniting to celebrate their faith. Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac reflected on the annual events, saying, “We gather to strengthen our faith and keep our traditions alive.” Amidst the backdrop of despair, Christmas prayers were held with solemnity, underlining the depths of their faith. “This is our means to send hope to the world,” said Father Issa Thaljieh.
The stifled jubilation was indicative of solidarity with those suffering across Gaza, where violence has claimed the lives of over 45,000 individuals. Local leaders encouraged peaceful observances, vowing to utilize the occasion to voice their discomfort with the situation. Father Faltas expressed, “We cannot celebrate, not when people are suffering. Our prayers are for peace for all.”
The stark reality of Bethlehem’s subdued Christmas is compounded by the psychological toll it takes on the local Christian and Muslim communities alike, each impacted by the same overarching crisis. Nadeem, a local waiter who witnessed many joyful Christmases past from his once-bustling café, remarked, “Everyone should be filled with hope and peace, not sadness.”
Reportedly, many residents regarded Christmas Eve 2024 as not just another day of celebration, but as an opportunity to reflect on the current state of despair enveloping their communities. For many, like Anna, it is challenging to reconcile their faith against the backdrop of internal conflict and financial hardship.
Religious leaders, hopeful yet cautious, remarked on the resilience and strength of those remaining. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who had recently returned from Gaza, reminded those gathered, "I saw destruction, but I also saw the will of people to remain steadfast.” This sentiment echoed through numerous accounts shared by locals determined to maintain their Christian presence within the historic city.
Despite international attention being drawn elsewhere, the heart of Bethlehem beats with perseverance. Citizens have vowed their hope remains undiminished. Many families stress the significance of communal gatherings, held with more intent and less festivity, serving as reminders of solidarity among those who inhabit this land.
Local shopowner Ramzi Sabella spoke of the necessity of keeping his store open, saying, “Even if we can’t sell much, we must remain visible, showing our resilience.” This reflected the broader sentiment within the city to continue existing not just as remnants of history but as living, breathing communities forging their way through adversity.
While the physical celebrations of Christmas might be muted, the emotional and communal aspects have amplified. Parishioners gathered for midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity, remembering the birth of Christ, and infusing the occasion with prayers for healing and peace. “Our faith tells us life always returns, and we will not forget Bethlehem,” reiterated Father Thaljieh.
Yet to many, the stark shift from joyful celebration to muted reflection acts as both remembrance and grieving for those lost. The community suffers not just from external violence but from internal displacement as families leave for more stable futures. Reports state nearly 500 families have emigrated since the conflict escalated, with many others unable to leave due to complex restrictions imposed amid the war.
Going forward, residents express yearning for more than just survival; they wish for normalcy and peace to reign once again. “We continue to pray, not just for ourselves but all those who are suffering and need help,” expressed Anna, highlighting the humanitarian calling her community upholds.
Christmas 2024 finds Bethlehem at a precarious juncture, creatively redefining what resilience looks like amid trauma. Despite empty streets and the absence of festive cheer, there is resolution among locals, to cherish their faith and nurture the idea of coexistence. Amid bleak realities, the narrative of Christmas remains about grace, faith, and hope for tomorrow—as Father Faltas aptly sums up, “Hope should never die at the Nativity.”
On Christmas morning, the bells of Bethlehem still echoed across the ancient lands, not merely to celebrate, but to denounce the silence of suffering—reminding the world of its enduring spirit and the humanity of those who occupy this sacred ground.