Another Christmas Eve has descended upon Bethlehem, but this year, the events surrounding the traditional birthplace of Jesus have been steeped in sadness. The usual excitement and cheer typically seen during the holiday season were absent as the shadows of the Gaza conflict loomed over the city. With the festive lights and the giant Christmas tree missing from Manger Square, and the usual throngs of tourists noticeably absent, Bethlehem marked its second subdued Christmas Eve amid the war.
On the evening of December 24, 2024, Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets rather than performing their usual lively brass marching band. Security measures were heightened with barriers set up near the Church of the Nativity, the revered site believed to be Jesus’s birthplace. This somber atmosphere is particularly troubling for the local economy, which heavily relies on tourism—about 70% of Bethlehem's income during the peak Christmas season.
The impact of this year’s lack of celebration has been severe. According to Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman, unemployment has soared to approximately 50%, much higher than the 30% average for the rest of the West Bank. The dramatic decline in tourism has also been illustrated by statistics from the Palestinian Tourism Ministry, which reported visitor numbers plunging from about 2 million annually before the pandemic to fewer than 100,000 this year.
“This year we limited our joy,” said Mayor Salman, reflecting on the muted nature of the festivities as residents grappled with the hardships brought on by the war. His sentiments echoed throughout the community, where both Christians and Muslims have historically come together to celebrate Christmas as part of the national fabric of the area. This year, officials have opted for strictly religious observances, rather than the vibrant displays of years past.
Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the highest-ranking Roman Catholic official in the Holy Land, shared his observations of the grim reality faced by residents during this time. “This has to be the last Christmas... so sad,” he told the gathered crowd at Manger Square, where normally tens of thousands would celebrate. He emphasized the need for hope and resilience, particularly among those displaced due to the conflict.
Najla Tarazi, one of several Palestinian Christians living displaced from their homes since the outbreak of the war, expressed her deep desire for normalcy through her heartfelt words. “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem,” she shared. “We hope to celebrate in Jerusalem ... and for the war to end. This is the most important thing for us and the most important demand we have these days because the situation is really hard. We don’t feel happy.”
Despite the absence of celebratory gaiety, the spirit of hope remains alive among the city's inhabitants. Mayor Salman remarked, “Always the message of Bethlehem is... peace and hope.” These words resonate deeply during tumultuous times, offering solace and strength for those who have long endeavored to maintain traditions under persistent occupation.
The social fabric of Bethlehem appears strained, yet the community gathers at the Church of the Nativity to share prayers for peace. Residents are painfully aware of the suffering of their fellow Palestinians living under the harsh realities of war, especially as Gaza struggles under bombardment, exacerbated by violence recently reported from the West Bank itself.
Moving throughout the streets, visitors like Christiana von der Tann from Germany still find meaning, even against the backdrop of despair. She noted, “We had to go to a shelter room during air raid sirens... That was...” she paused, “a special experience. You don’t forget you are in a country at war.”
With many residents echoing sentiments of grief and loss this Christmas, local leaders like Pizzaballa continue to urge for resilience and hope. “We are stronger,” he stated, emphasizing the spirit of light over darkness. “Next year we want to see the biggest Christmas tree ever,” he declared, handing the vision of future celebrations filled with peace and happiness.
This year’s subdued Christmas has brought community sorrow, loss, and uncertainty. Yet for the people of Bethlehem, the warmth of their faith remains, nurturing ambitions for peace and traditional festivity to return by next Christmas. For Bethlehem, both the legacy of its sacred site and the resilient spirit of its residents serve as compass points guiding them through these dark times.
