Bethlehem Celebrates Christmas with Hopeful Tree Lighting

Bethlehem celebrated Christmas with renewed spirit on December 16, 2023, lighting its iconic Christmas tree for the first time since the outbreak of the Gaza war. The tree, adorned with red and gold baubles, stands just meters from the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, serving as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience amidst ongoing turmoil.

The two-hour ceremony attracted thousands of attendees, including Christians and Muslims, many of whom traveled from various regions, including Palestinian territories and Israel. As the tree was illuminated, cheers erupted, and its yellow lights twinkled under a luminous night sky, brightened by a nearly full moon.

“It’s like a symbol for resilience,” said Abeer Shtaya, a 27-year-old student from Al-Zaytoonah University of Science and Technology in Salfit, who traveled 100 kilometers to participate in the event. She expressed a desire to celebrate together with others in Bethlehem, highlighting a sense of unity amidst difficult times.

Mike Shahen, a local shop owner, shared his thoughts on the gathering, stating, “It’s a message for the world that it’s calm.” The festive atmosphere was palpable, with laughter and joy filling the air, even as rain occasionally fell. Families, including small children, filled balconies and rooftops to witness the tree lighting, amplifying the sense of community.

For many, this year’s celebration held deep emotional significance. “This event didn’t happen for the last two years because of the war, and it’s quite emotional after two years of nothing but war and death,” reflected Liyu Lu, a 50-year-old resident from northern Israel. Originally from China, she noted that being part of the festivities was meaningful and uplifting.

The past two Christmas seasons have been subdued in Bethlehem, with no major public festivities due to the war that erupted following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Although the city has experienced a tentative return of Christian pilgrims from regions such as Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, the overall atmosphere remains cautious.

Fabien Safar, a guide and director of Terra Dei, which organizes pilgrimages to the Holy Land, indicated that while small groups have begun to visit this year, many pilgrims still feel apprehensive about the ongoing conflict. “Covid was bad but nothing like the last two years,” Shahen noted, emphasizing the economic strain on Bethlehem, which relies heavily on tourism.

Despite a ceasefire in November 2024 intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, violence has persisted in the region. Travelers from the West Bank face challenges due to military checkpoints and rising tensions, which further complicate access to Bethlehem.

As the city looks towards the future, the Christmas tree lighting serves as a beacon of hope. The event suggests a desire for peace and normalcy, and many attendees remain optimistic about the coming years. The return of festive celebrations in Bethlehem signals a yearning for unity and joy, even in the face of adversity.