Bethlehem’s Christmas Spirit Diminished Amidst Gaza Conflict

The small town of Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank, is often considered the global center of Christmas, but this year it lacks that festive atmosphere. Visitor numbers are significantly low during what is typically a busy period. The usual festive street decorations are absent, as is the prominent Christmas tree in front of the Nativity Church, built on the site believed to be Jesus’s birthplace. Public Christmas festivities have been canceled for the second consecutive year due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Palestinian Christians are limiting their observances to religious ceremonies and private family gatherings. “This should be a time of joy and celebration,” remarked Reverend Dr Munther Isaac, a local Lutheran pastor. “But Bethlehem is a sad town in solidarity with our siblings in Gaza.” Inside his church, the Nativity scene depicts baby Jesus lying amidst a pile of rubble. Leading up to Christmas, a prayer service was dedicated to addressing the dire situation in Gaza. “It’s hard to believe that another Christmas has come upon us and the genocide has not stopped,” Isaac stated in his powerful sermon. “Decision makers are content to let this continue. To them, Palestinians are dispensable.” Israel vehemently refutes allegations of genocide in Gaza, and judges at the UN’s highest court have yet to issue a ruling in the genocide case initiated by South Africa. Many Christians encountered in Bethlehem express feelings of despair and question what they perceive as the global Christian community’s failure to voice concerns. Strong bonds within the small Palestinian Christian community mean that many residents have relatives and friends residing in Gaza. “My mum told me that what we see on television doesn’t capture one per cent of what’s happening,” shared theologian Dr Yousef Khouri, who hails from Gaza City. His parents and sister are among several hundred Christians who have sought refuge in two Gazan churches for most of the past 14 months. “They are subjected like the entire Gaza strip to starvation. Of course, almost non-sleep because of bombardment, because of all the drones hovering above their heads and the lack of medical attention and services,” he explained. “We’ve lost friends and relatives.” In Gaza, the conflict, which began in response to Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel, has claimed the lives of over 45,000 people. These figures originate from the Hamas-run health ministry but are regarded as credible by the UN and other organizations. The assault on 7 October 2023 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals—both Israelis and some foreign nationals—and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages. Tensions in the West Bank have escalated concurrently with the war. Israel has imposed new restrictions on the movement of Palestinians and revoked tens of thousands of permits for workers who previously commuted daily into Jerusalem or Jewish settlements. The economy is in a severe state, particularly in Bethlehem, which relies heavily on tourism, a sector that has almost entirely ceased. Guides can be seen standing idly near the Nativity Church, feeding pigeons. “If there [are] tourists, all the people will work: hotels, transportation, accommodation, all of them,” remarked Abdullah, a guide. “But [if] there [are] no tourists, there is no life in Bethlehem city.” “I am broke! No business! For more than one year we stay home,” exclaimed Adnan Subah, a souvenir vendor on Star Street. “My son is a tour guide in the church, we stay home, all my kids stay. No jobs, no business, no tourists.” Many local Christian and Muslim families have emigrated over the past year. With the persistent threat of violence and the expansion of settlements on lands where Palestinians have long sought their own independent state, there is heightened apprehension and uncertainty about the future. However, a community organization in Bethlehem is endeavoring to make a positive impact by assembling food parcels for those in need. There is no governmental aid available here, and volunteers have been gathering donations, including contributions from the diaspora. “As you know Christmas is the spirit of giving and love and joy. And we hope with this parcel we can give some hope and joy to the families in our area,” stated Wael Shaer, the head of the Palestine Lions Club. I accompanied Wael on his initial delivery to a woman residing in a nearby apartment. Her husband is unwell and unemployed. She gratefully accepted the box of supplies provided to her and an envelope containing cash. She and Wael exchanged a traditional holiday greeting, wishing each other a peaceful year ahead. “Mission accomplished!” Wael informed me as we departed. “Spreading a little cheer at Christmas.”