Christmas revival signals cautious hope in Bethlehem
Christmas celebrations are making a modest comeback in Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, after two subdued holiday seasons. Families gathered in Manger Square under red lights and a towering Christmas tree, signaling a fragile return to normalcy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The tentative revival comes amid a shaky ceasefire in Gaza, offering Palestinians a brief moment of hope after months of war. For many, including restaurant owner John Juka, the return of tourists has been a lifeline. “It’s like life is coming back again,” he said.
Tourism crucial to Bethlehem’s economy
Bethlehem’s economy heavily depends on religious tourism, with about 80% of residents relying on it for their livelihoods. Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati described how 10,000 visitors can activate the entire local economy, from hotels to supermarkets. However, following Hamas’s October 2023 attack and Israel’s military response, Christmas events were canceled, and the tourism-dependent economy collapsed. The unemployment rate surged from 14% to 65%, and thousands left in search of work. A recent UN report confirmed the West Bank is facing its worst economic downturn on record.
Business owners see signs of recovery
Business owners like the Juka family, who opened their restaurant in 1979, saw visitor numbers drop sharply. As ceasefire talks gained traction in August, tourists slowly returned. By November, hotel bookings reached about 70% occupancy. Still, few foreign tourists were seen during the celebrations. Despite the limited crowds, residents felt the resurgence of holiday spirit was essential. “We took the decision to reignite hope,” said the mayor, calling the celebrations a symbol of Palestinian resilience and desire for peace.
Security concerns and political tensions remain
While festivities resumed, ongoing military raids, settler violence, and checkpoint delays continued to darken the mood. Some West Bank residents, like painter Issa Montas, spent six hours traveling just 20 miles due to Israeli checkpoints. Violence has escalated near Bethlehem, including recent fatal shootings by Israeli forces in Hebron. Montas criticized the lack of accountability for settler attacks but still found meaning in the shared celebration, saying, “This Christmas is for everyone—Christian, Jewish, Muslims.”
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Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
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