Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the traditional birthplace of Jesus cast under the deep shadow of war raging next door in Gaza. The excitement and cheer usually associated with Christmas were nowhere to be found this year, as Manger Square, typically vibrant with festive lights and decorations, remained dim—a stark reminder of the turmoil surrounding the holiday.
The streets of Bethlehem were devoid of the throngs of foreign tourists who usually flock to this religious epicenter during the holiday season. The giant Christmas tree, usually the centerpiece of Manger Square, stood absent, and even Palestinian scouts, traditionally marching joyously through the streets of this historic town, paraded silently, carrying signs such as "We want life, not death." Security forces set up barriers around the Church of the Nativity, where visitors would normally gather to celebrate.
"Every year, there are scouts, carols, and celebrations. This year, Christmas arrives...without any signs of joy," lamented Father Issa Thaljieh, the Greek Orthodox parish priest, highlighting the marked difference from previous years when joy permeated the air.
Tourism, accounting for approximately 70% of Bethlehem's economy, has plummeted dramatically. Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry, reported visitor numbers sliding from about two million annually before the COVID pandemic to fewer than 100,000 this year, largely due to the instability caused by the war.
The toll of the Gaza conflict has been steep; over 45,000 Palestinians lost their lives during the fighting. The local and broader impacts are felt acutely, with unemployment soaring to 50% in Bethlehem, surpassing the 30% average across the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Finance Ministry.
Mayor Anton Salman emphasized, "The message of Bethlehem is...peace and hope. But these days, we are also sending our message to the world: peace and hope, but insisting the world must work to end our suffering as Palestinian people." His sentiments echo the frustrations experienced within the community facing economic despair and emotional turbulence.
Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, also noted the stark emptiness of the streets, remarking, "This has to be the last Christmas so sad," as he addressed hundreds gathered where tens of thousands would normally celebrate. He held onto hope and expressed his solidarity with those suffering, saying, "I bring you the greetings and prayers of our brothers and sisters in Gaza. I saw everything destroyed, poverty, disaster, but I also saw life. They don't give up, so we don't give up."
Christian communities both inside and outside Gaza continue to face overwhelming challenges, as Muhtar Isaac, a local pastor, described the mood as heavy with sadness and anger but also marked by resilience. He stated, "Our determination to continue with Christmas, even without the tree and scout music, is our resistance. It’s our way of saying we are here and we will not leave."
The 14 million residents of the Holy Land include about 182,000 Christians residing in Israel, another 50,000 spread across the West Bank and Jerusalem, and roughly 1,300 still living under dire conditions within Gaza. The nearly 2,000-year-old Christian heritage of Gaza faces existential threats, as the remaining Christian presence dwindles severely amid the devastating effects of warfare.
This year, Bethlehem's Christmas was not simply about celebrating the festive season; it was intertwined with solemn reflections on the situation across the region. The common sentiment remains one of loss. Many expressed hopes for more festive times, praying for peace and resolution to the conflict. "We hope by next year we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem," voiced Najla Tarazi, reflecting the sentiments of those displaced by the violence.
Indeed, Bethlehem remains charged with historical significance as the birthplace of Jesus, but it is also reflective of the pressing socio-political issues challenging the region. The community's spirit shines through their resilience, with every Christmas prayer serving as both solace and defiance against despair.
Met with such overwhelming adversity, the people of Bethlehem find themselves at the crossroads of faith and fear, longing for the restoration of joy and the lifting of darkness overshadowing their cherished traditions. Christmas 2024, though somber, persists as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit against all odds.
