In the heart of Bethlehem, a city revered as the birthplace of Jesus, the festive spirit that usually adorns its streets and squares during Christmas has been notably absent this year. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has cast a shadow over the city’s traditional celebrations, leading to a somber holiday season marked by solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Bethlehem, a pivotal destination for Christian pilgrims, typically witnesses a vibrant mix of tourists, marching bands, and festive lights around Manger Square during the Christmas period. However, this year, the Square, usually a beacon of joy and celebration, presents a starkly different scene. Barbed wire and grey rubble have replaced the colorful decorations, and Palestinian security forces patrol the area, a vivid reminder of the region’s turmoil.
The Church of the Nativity, standing at the heart of Bethlehem and traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, has become a focal point for expressions of solidarity. Palestinian scouts were seen holding signs near the church, calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and echoing the sentiments of a community deeply affected by the conflict.
Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam, shared a poignant observation with The Associated Press. In Manger Square, a nativity scene depicted baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, a symbolic gesture resonating with the tragic loss of life in Gaza, particularly among children.
The Gaza Strip, located merely 74 kilometers from Bethlehem, has been the epicenter of the conflict. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports over 20,000 Palestinian casualties since early October, with approximately 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced. The violence has left deep scars, with more than 50,000 individuals wounded.
The conflict was triggered on October 7 by a surprise incursion by Hamas into Israel, resulting in significant casualties, including many civilians. Israel’s subsequent military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities, further intensifying the region’s instability.
The ripple effects of this conflict are palpable in the West Bank, where an estimated 300 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. The daily lives of civilians are heavily constrained by military checkpoints and restrictions on movement, particularly affecting those who work in Israel.
The cancellation of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a significant economic blow. Tourism, particularly during the Christmas season, accounts for about 70 percent of Bethlehem’s income. Ala’a Salameh, a local restaurant owner, encapsulated the mood, noting the stark contrast between this year’s subdued Christmas Eve and the typically bustling festive season.
In lieu of the traditional march through Bethlehem, young scouts stood with flags, while others tried to distribute small inflatable Santas, a gesture that met with little enthusiasm. The prevailing mood was one of sadness and frustration, as echoed by Bethlehem’s mayor, Hana Haniyeh, in her address. Her words reflected a community grappling with grief and anger, directing a plea for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza to the international community.
This Christmas in Bethlehem, the message is not just one of peace and love, but also of solidarity and hope for a resolution to a conflict that has deeply affected the lives of countless individuals in the region.
